NIGERIA: Tension remains high in Jos as residents defied a government-imposed curfew on Monday morning, March 30, to protest a deadly attack that left multiple people dead and many others injured.
The unrest comes barely 24 hours after a violent incident on Sunday evening, March 29, in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North Local Government Area. According to confirmed reports, suspected gunmen stormed the community during Palm Sunday activities, opening fire on residents and causing widespread panic. While official figures place the death toll at least 20, local sources and eyewitness accounts suggest the number could be significantly higher, with some estimates putting casualties above 40. Several injured victims are currently receiving treatment in nearby medical facilities.
Curfew Imposed
In response to the attack, the Plateau State Government imposed a 48-hour curfew across Jos North, beginning at midnight, in a bid to restore order and prevent further escalation. Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the killings, describing them as “barbaric and unacceptable,” and directed security agencies to intensify operations to apprehend those responsible.
However, despite the curfew, anger spilled onto the streets early Monday as groups of aggrieved youths and residents gathered in protest across parts of Jos North. Demonstrators were seen chanting, blocking roads, and demanding justice for victims, while also expressing frustration over what they described as repeated attacks and inadequate security presence in vulnerable communities.
Governor Addresses Protesters
The situation took a dramatic turn when Governor Mutfwang arrived at the protest scene in Angwan Rukuba to personally address the crowd. In multiple videos that have since gone viral, the governor was seen speaking to protesters from an armoured vehicle, urging calm and appealing for an opportunity to address their concerns.
“You people should remain calm so I can speak here,” the governor said, acknowledging both the gravity of the attack and the emotions of the residents. He also revealed the personal toll of the incident, stating that he “didn’t even sleep” after receiving initial reports of the killings.
Videos of the protest and the governor’s address have been widely circulated on social media, with several clips observed on live-streaming platforms, capturing the tense atmosphere in real time. The footage shows large crowds of residents gathered in defiance of the curfew, chanting and reacting as the governor attempted to calm the situation. The online spread of these videos has further amplified national attention on the crisis.
Mixed Reactions
While some protesters appeared to listen to the governor’s appeal, others criticised the optics of him addressing citizens from within an armoured vehicle, arguing that it symbolised a growing disconnect between leadership and communities facing insecurity. The moment has since sparked debate online, with mixed reactions trailing the governor’s approach.
Security Deployment
Security operatives have been deployed in large numbers to enforce the curfew and prevent further breakdown of law and order. Eyewitnesses report that in some areas, officers used tear gas to disperse crowds as tensions escalated. Patrols have also been intensified across flashpoints in Jos North, as authorities work to contain the unrest.
Pattern of Violence
The incident is the latest in a troubling pattern of violence in Plateau State, a region long affected by complex and recurring conflicts involving farming communities, herders, and armed groups. Monday’s protest reflects deepening frustration among residents, many of whom say they feel increasingly vulnerable amid persistent attacks.
As of the time of filing this report, the situation in Jos remains volatile, with a heavy security presence across affected areas. Residents have been urged to comply with the curfew while investigations and security operations continue.
The developments highlight the urgent need for sustainable security interventions, as both the state government and federal authorities face mounting pressure to address the root causes of the violence and restore lasting peace in Plateau State.
