Tension has broken out in Jos barely a few hours after the Plateau State Government lifted the 48-hour curfew that was put in place after the horrific incident in Anguwan Rukuba on Sunday night.
Reports say that there were random acts of violence in some parts of the city, and there are unverified reports of more deaths.
Channels TV claims that the scenario has caused panic among people, compelling traders who had just started working again to leave their stores and run for safety.
Eyewitnesses say that people ran for cover in a state of uncertainty because they were afraid of more attacks.
There are reports that security is getting stronger in the regions that have been affected, but officials have not yet confirmed these reports.
The curfew was first put in place to bring back peace following the earlier murders, but the new violence makes people worry about the state’s weak security posture.
Officials are telling people to stay calm and watchful as order is restored.
Attack on Anguwan Rukuba
On Sunday, at least 28 people were shot and killed in the region by gunmen who were riding motorcycles, according to reports.
A resident who spoke to our reporter on the phone and asked to remain anonymous said the attack happened in the evening at the Anguwan Rukuba crossroads.
After the attack, angry young people reportedly blocked main routes in the area, which made others worry that things may get worse.
The most recent attack happened weeks after reports said that at least 20 security guards and vigilantes were killed when highly armed bandits ambushed a joint patrol team in Wanka and the nearby settlements of the Garga area in the Kanam Local Government Area of the state.
The University of Jos had to move exams that were supposed to happen on March 30 and 31 because of the Anguwan Rukuba attack.
Emmanuel Madugu, the university’s Deputy Registrar for Information and Public Relations, said in a statement on Monday that staff and students should stay alert and not make any needless movements.
In a countrywide broadcast yesterday, Governor Caleb Mutfwang vowed that the state would not give in to fear or threats.
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