Heightened Tension Grips Jos as Violence Erupts Following Relaxation of Government Curfew

By Babatunji Wusu

Panic and instability have resurfaced in Jos, Plateau State, after the state government’s decision to ease a mandatory 24-hour curfew led to a fresh wave of violence. The restriction was originally placed on the Jos North Local Government Area following a horrific massacre in Angwan Rukuba, where gunmen claimed the lives of at least 28 residents. While the government adjusted the hours to run from 7am to 3pm starting Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the window of movement unfortunately provided an opportunity for further chaos.

Reports indicate that the attempt to restore normalcy backfired as mobs and hoodlums took to the streets, targeting motorists and pedestrians. In one tragic instance near the University of Jos Permanent Site, a young man was hacked to death. The violence spread rapidly through key areas such as Bauchi Road, Terminus, and Farin Gada, where vehicles were vandalized and businesses were forced to bolt their doors. Joy Bature, a local shop owner, expressed the community’s fear, noting that while the relaxation was meant to help the people, lawless individuals have hijacked the situation.

The University of Jos Alumni Association, led by Global President Gad Peter Shamaki, has called for immediate intervention. The association is demanding 24-hour patrols and a heightened security presence around student hostels and major routes to protect the academic community. Meanwhile, legal professionals under the Plateau Lawyers Bar Forum have condemned the “heartless” killings, urging the government to prosecute the sponsors of this violence and investigate why security responses were allegedly delayed during the initial assault.

Residents remain on edge, calling for the government to move beyond temporary curfews and focus on apprehending those responsible for the persistent unrest. As the city remains paralyzed, the plea for a permanent peace in Plateau State grows louder.

What specific measures do you think the government should take to ensure student safety during these periods of civil unrest?

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