Plateau Crisis Claimed 4,700 of Our Members – Jos Muslim Community

Plateau Crisis Claimed 4,700 of Our Members – Jos Muslim Community

The Muslim community in Jos, Plateau State, on Friday held the 17th annual commemoration prayer in honor of more than 4,700 victims who lost their lives in the series of violent crises that have plagued the state for over two decades.

The solemn event, held at the Jos Central Mosque, featured extensive Qur’an recitations for the repose of those killed in the aftermath of the 2008 local government election violence, as well as victims of multiple conflicts dating back to 2001.

Speaking during the ceremony, Yawale Muhammad, National President of the Jasawa Community Development Association (JCDA), said the community has carefully documented the number of Muslims who died in major crises, including those in 2001, 2002, 2004, 2008, and 2010.

According to him, over 700 Muslims were killed in the 2001 Jos crisis, while the 2002 Eto Baba attack claimed hundreds more. The 2004 Yelwa-Shendam conflict added another 700 fatalities.

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He recalled that the 2008 post-election unrest resulted in more than 1,000 Muslim deaths, followed by the 2010 coordinated attacks in Dutse Uku, Gero, Kuru Jenta, and other communities, where over 2,000 Muslims were reportedly killed.

Further tragedies include the 2011 Rukuba Road Eid praying ground attack, which left 20 dead, and the 2021 Rukuba Road incident, in which hundreds of Muslim travelers returning from a condolence visit to Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi were killed.

“We have lost 4,700 people based on our records,” Muhammad stated. “Every November 28 is a day of mourning, reflection, truth-telling, and renewed resolve for peace.”

The JCDA noted the existence of several mass graves, including those at Jos Zaria Road Muslim Cemetery, Narkuta, Dadin Kowa, and Yelwa-Shendam, where many victims were buried.

Community elder Alhaji Shehu Masalla described the day as deeply significant, lamenting the millions of naira in property losses suffered by Muslim families over the years.

Leading the prayer session, Malam Hamisu Umaru emphasized the importance of seeking Allah’s intervention for lasting peace in Plateau State, stressing that development cannot thrive without mutual understanding among diverse ethnic and religious groups.

Plateau Crisis Claimed 4,700 of Our Members – Jos Muslim Community