Fresh tension gripped parts of Jos, Plateau State, on Wednesday as the easing of a 48-hour curfew imposed by the state government sparked renewed attacks by suspected hoodlums.
The curfew had earlier been declared in Jos North Local Government Area following Sunday’s deadly assault on residents of Angwan Rukuba, where no fewer than 28 persons were reportedly killed by gunmen.
In a bid to restore normalcy, the state government reviewed the restriction, allowing movement between 7am and 3pm daily with effect from Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
The adjustment, announced by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, was intended to enable residents carry out essential activities.
However, the relaxation appeared to have backfired, as violence resurfaced in several parts of the city during the permitted hours.
Residents reported that hoodlums and angry youths attacked motorists and pedestrians, triggering panic across affected areas.
A young man was allegedly killed along the road leading to the University of Jos Permanent Site after being attacked by assailants.
Several vehicles were also vandalised, with windscreens smashed around Terminus, Bauchi Road and Gangere.
Areas most impacted by the unrest included the University of Jos axis, Bauchi Road, Farin Gada, Tina Junction and Chobe, among others.
The renewed violence disrupted commercial activities, with many businesses and financial institutions shutting down operations in response to the insecurity.
A trader at Terminus Market, Joy Bature, expressed fear over the situation, noting that uncertainty had forced many shop owners to remain closed.
She said, “We are afraid to open our shops because we don’t know what could happen. While the government acted in the interest of the people by easing the curfew, it is unfortunate that some individuals are exploiting the situation.”
Meanwhile, the University of Jos Alumni Association raised concerns over the deteriorating security situation, particularly its impact on students and staff.
In a statement signed by its Global President, Gad Peter Shamaki, the association called on the state government and security agencies to intensify security measures across all university campuses, hostels and surrounding communities.
The group specifically urged authorities to implement continuous patrols, strengthen intelligence gathering and deploy rapid response teams to forestall further attacks.
Students were also advised to remain indoors, stay alert and report any suspicious movements to security operatives.
Residents, on their part, appealed for increased security presence, especially around student hostels and residential areas near the university.
One resident called for urgent deployment of security personnel to the university environment, particularly the students’ village hostel, urging security agencies to focus attention on the area.
Another resident, Ishaku Mark, decried the resurgence of violence, stressing the need for residents to prioritise peace rather than escalate tensions.