Fresh Violence Erupts in Jos After Curfew Relaxation

Fresh violence erupts in Jos after curfew relaxation in Plateau.
Hoodlums attack residents, disrupt activities across key areas.
Stakeholders demand stronger security presence and swift justice.

Fresh tension erupted in parts of Jos on Wednesday following the relaxation of the 48-hour curfew imposed after the deadly Angwan Rukuba attack.

The curfew was earlier enforced in Jos North Local Government Area after gunmen attacked residents on Sunday, killing at least 28 people.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Plateau State Government later eased the restriction, with the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, announcing that the curfew would now run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, effective April 1, 2026, to allow residents carry out essential activities.

Despite the relaxation, normalcy failed to return as hoodlums and angry mobs reportedly attacked motorists and passers-by in several parts of the city, heightening fear among residents.

Sources said a young man walking along the road leading to the University of Jos permanent site was killed by suspected hoodlums.

Several motorists around Terminus, Bauchi Road, and Gangere also had their vehicle windscreens smashed during the unrest. Areas affected included the University of Jos axis, Bauchi Road, Farin Gada, Tina Junction, and Chobe.

The renewed violence disrupted commercial activities, with several banks in affected areas shutting down operations.

“We are scared to open our shops. We don’t know what might happen,” said Joy Bature, a provision shop owner at Terminus Market.

“The governor has done well by relaxing the curfew in the interest of the people, but it is unfortunate that some people have decided to take the law into their hands,” she added.

Meanwhile, the University of Jos Alumni Association raised concerns over rising insecurity around campuses and student residential areas.

In a statement signed by its Global President, Gad Peter Shamaki, the association urged the state government and security agencies to strengthen security presence around the university environment.

“We specifically request round-the-clock patrols, intelligence-led surveillance, and rapid response units to ensure that any potential threats are proactively addressed and swiftly neutralised,” Shamaki said.

The association advised students to remain indoors, stay vigilant, and report suspicious activities to security agencies.

Fresh Violence Erupts in Jos After Curfew Relaxation

Residents also called for increased security deployment, particularly around the University of Jos students’ village and hostels.

“There is an urgent need for security deployment to the University of Jos environment, precisely the students’ village hostel,” a resident said. “We appeal to the security agencies to beam their searchlight around that axis.”

Another resident, Ishaku Mark, urged calm and called on authorities to identify and punish those responsible for the violence.

In a related development, the Plateau Lawyers Bar Forum condemned the killings in Angwan Rukuba, describing the attack as “dastardly and heartless.”

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Ledak Dafer, and Secretary, Niri Darong, the forum said the incident reflects a disturbing pattern of violence across parts of the state.

The lawyers extended condolences to the families of the victims and urged the government to identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible, while also calling for an investigation into the alleged delayed response by security agencies during the attack.