TENSION has escalated across parts of Jos North Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State following the relaxation of the curfew imposed by the state government.
Residents informed The ICIR that fresh clashes broke out among communities in the LGA Wednesday morning.
The unrest followed recent attacks in Angwan Rukuba, in Jos North, where violence had earlier forced authorities to impose movement restrictions.
Although the curfew was partially eased to allow residents carry out essential activities, the decision appears to have triggered renewed hostilities.
Findings by The ICIR show that retaliatory attacks have spread across multiple flashpoints, particularly within the Jos North.
Areas such as Nasarawa Gwong, Bauchi Road, Farin Gada, and the Gada Biyu axis have witnessed heightened tension, with reports of clashes and reprisal attacks among residents.
The ICIR sighted videos of chaotic scenes, with groups confronting one another in the streets and, in some cases, clashing with security operatives.
This organisation also gathered that the violence has taken on a sectarian dimension, with Christian and Muslim youths allegedly targeting each other in parts of the area.
Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, have been deployed to contain the unrest, but sources said operatives are overstretched as incidents occur simultaneously across several locations.
Traders and residents have shut their shops and locked their doors, while travellers are making detours to avoid the violence.
Background
THE Plateau State Government had imposed a 48-hour curfew in Jos North Local Government Area following a deadly attack on March 29 in Gari Ya Waye community, Angwan Rukuba by gunmen.
The attack immediately led to a retaliatory attack by mobs who reportedly killed dozens of people.
The curfew, announced by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, took effect from midnight of March 29 to April 1.
The government said the decision was taken after the incident resulted in multiple deaths and injuries, with authorities seeking to prevent further escalation of violence.
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed that at least 14 persons were initially killed in the attack.
According to the command’s spokesperson, Alfred Alabo, the Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, led a joint security team, including tactical units and other agencies, to the scene shortly after receiving a distress call. Security operatives subsequently launched operations to track down the perpetrators, combing nearby bushes and surrounding areas.
Authorities said the victims’ bodies were evacuated to a mortuary for autopsy, while efforts to identify them and arrest those responsible were ongoing.
Meanwhile, residents claimed that no fewer than 20 people died during the attack on the Angwu Rukuba community.
The attack sparked widespread fear, with residents sharing videos online showing bodies lying on the ground, while eyewitnesses reported that the assault occurred around 8:30 p.m. amid gunfire.
The incident also disrupted academic activities, as the University of Jos postponed examinations scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, citing security concerns and rising tension in and around the area.
The ICIR reports that Plateau State has endured recurring waves of violence in recent years, including attacks, kidnappings, and cattle rustling.
In January, nine persons were reportedly killed during a crossover night celebration in Jos South, while in 2025, coordinated attacks in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi left more than 100 people dead and displaced thousands.
Mustapha Usman is an investigative journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: musman@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M