Heightened tension gripped the Plateau State capital on Wednesday after the relaxation of a 48-hour curfew failed to prevent fresh attacks by hoodlums, leaving residents fearful and business activities paralyzed, according to The PUNCH report.
The state government had initially imposed the curfew following a deadly attack on Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area, which claimed at least 28 lives.
On Tuesday, authorities announced a relaxation of the restriction, citing improved security.
Commissioner for Information Joyce Ramnap disclosed in a statement that the curfew would now run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, effective Wednesday, April 1, to allow residents to attend to normal activities within permitted hours.
However, Wednesday morning brought no relief. Hoodlums and irate mobs reportedly attacked motorists and passersby across several parts of the city, sparking fresh panic.
On the road leading to the permanent site of the University of Jos, a young man walking was hacked to death by attackers, according to residents. Several motorists in the Terminus and Bauchi Road, Gangere areas also had their windscreens smashed.
The most affected areas included the University of Jos axis, Bauchi Road, Farin Gada, Tina Junction, and Chobe, sources said. Banks in the affected zones shut down operations as the unrest disrupted normal life.
“We are scared to open our shops, we don’t know what might happen,” said Joy Bature, who runs a provision shop at Terminus Market. “There is no need for the current tension in Jos. The governor has done well by relaxing the curfew in the interest of the people, but it’s very unfortunate how some people can decide to take the law into their hands for no reason, and I think the government should not allow them to have their way. But the government needs to do more to ensure our safety.”
The University of Jos Alumni Association expressed concern in a statement Wednesday over the rising tension and reported threats affecting students, staff, and the broader university community.
“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 neutralized,” said Gad Peter Shamaki, the association’s global president.
The association advised students to stay indoors, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activity, prioritizing their safety.
Residents also called for increased security deployment, particularly around the university.
“There’s an urgent need for security deployment to the University of Jos environment, precisely the students’ village hostel,” one resident said. “We appeal to the security agencies to beam their searchlight around that axis.”
Another resident, Ishaku Mark, urged calm while calling for decisive action. “The Plateau State Government has relaxed the curfew, allowing movement from 7 am to 3 pm daily, effective April 1, 2026, following relative calm in the area after a violent attack that claimed 28 lives,” he said. “What needs to be done is for the residents to maintain peace and not escalate tensions. Those responsible for the renewed tension should be fished out and dealt with.”
Efforts to reach the Plateau State Police Command spokesman, Alabo Alfred, were unsuccessful. However, sources at the command headquarters in Jos said security agencies had been deployed to the affected areas and were working to restore calm and maintain law and order.
