Tinubu to visit Plateau
PFN, NOSCEF demand swift justice

Few hours after the relaxation of the 48-hour curfew imposed by Plateau state government over Sunday’s killing in Angwan Rukuba, fresh violence erupted around the city centre yesterday, heightening tension and uncertainty.

In the latest orgy of violence, two persons were killed in Gada Biu area when some rampaging youths attacked traders who had displayed their wares early in the morning, while the third person was hacked to death along Ferin Gada markets near the main campus of the University of Jos (UNIJOS).

In the heat of the mayhem, the bells of the Fatima Cathedral Church continuously tolled, signalling trouble. Consequently, youth from Gadabiu, Apata and Chobe barricaded the gigantic edifice and chased away hoodlums who attempted to attack the church.

The restive youth also attacked motorists and passers-by in several parts of the city, sparking fresh fear and panic among residents.

Shop owners who had earlier opened their businesses hurriedly closed their shops while banks and other financial institutions shut their doors.

Around Terminus, Ahmadu Bello Way, Bauchi Road and Gangere, Tina Junction and Gadabiu areas, many motorists had their windscreens smashed.

Students of the University of Jos living in the Students’ Village and Naraguta Students Hostels had to send SOS messages to authorities.

The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Emmanuel Madugu, said the security department quickly alerted security agencies, who dispatched a convoy of personnel to the area.

Spokesman of the Operation Enduring Peace, Capt. Chinedu Oteh said contingency measures had been put in place to forestall further outbreak of violence.

President of the University of Jos Alumni Association, Dr Gad Shamaki, has expressed concern over the safety of staff and students of the institution.

This is as the former president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Prince Maphien, called on the university authorities to close down the institution to avoid any fatality among the students.

In a statement he personally signed, Shamaki expressed concern over the rising tension and threats to students, staff and the broader university community in Jos North.

He urged the Plateau State Government and security agencies to immediately deploy personnel to enhance security in all the campuses, student hostels, residential areas where students live, and major access routes.

“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 neutralised.”

The alumni association advised students to stay indoors, remain vigilant and report promptly any suspicious movements around them.

Also responding to the crises, the Plateau Lawyers Bar Forum strongly condemned what it described as “dastardly and heartless” killing of residents in Angwan Rukuba.

Chairman and Secretary of the Forum, Ledak Dafer and Niri Darong, respectively, in a statement described Sunday’s incident as part of a disturbing pattern of violence ravaging several local government areas, including Wase, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Jos South, Bassa and Jos North.

While extending their condolences to the families of the victims, they called on the state government to investigate, identify, arrest and prosecute the perpetrators and their sponsors.

Tinubu to visit Jos

President Bola Tinubu has concluded plans to visit Jos, Plateau State, to commiserate with residents and victims.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang disclosed this while briefing State House Correspondents after he briefed President Tinubu.

Mutfwang said the situation is now under control following swift state interventions.

He said the President “commiserates with the entire state” and intends to come personally to Jos to show his “love and affection” for the people.

The attack killed dozens and prompted a security lockdown and a 48‑hour curfew in parts of the state.

“What happened on Sunday evening was quite unfortunate, but the situation has been brought under control now. We’ve been able to evacuate corpses to the mortuary. Some families have already buried their dead,” he stated.

He explained that a curfew was imposed but relaxed from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, though looters briefly disrupted peace before security forces restored order by noon.

Mutfwang detailed the briefing to Tinubu, which covered the incident, state responses, and plans discussed at a post-crisis Security Council meeting.

President Tinubu approved joint measures with security forces, marking “a decisive turning point” for more proactive actions.

On the attack’s causes, Mutfwang rejected simplistic narratives, calling it multifaceted criminality. “In a crisis of this nature, you can’t reduce it to one reason. It’s a mixture of multiple reasons… We’re therefore hoping that going forward, we’ll deal with this as criminality and make sure that these kinds of actions do not repeat themselves.” No attackers have been apprehended yet, but the state condemns the violence regardless of motive or religion.

Mutfwang emphasised unity against barbarism, assuring residents of enhanced security collaboration.

UNIJOS shut

Amid rising tensions, UNIJOS has directed all students to immediately evacuate the institution’s hostels.

The directive, issued by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, followed “near chaotic scenarios” that occurred near the university, raising serious concerns for the safety of students living in the hostels.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang has provided transport services to support the evacuation.

The vehicles are authorised to operate even during curfew hours.

According to a statement by Deputy Registrar (Information and Public Relations), Emmanuel Madugu, on behalf of the Registrar, the evacuation will be carried out in two phases.

Students whose parents or guardians reside within Jos and its environs were evacuated yesterday, while students whose parents or guardians live outside Jos and its environs will be evacuated today.

The university management assured students and the entire university community that adequate security measures are in place to protect the hostels and the campus.

LG boss imposes curfew

To avoid the spill-over of the crisis, the Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area, Emmanuel Bala Mwolpun, has imposed a curfew on Mangu Metropolis.

Mangu local government is 48 kilometres away from Jos, the state capital.

The curfew runs from 8 pm to 6 am daily until further notice.

The chairman said he took the decision to safeguard the lives and property of residents amid prevailing security concerns. after careful deliberation with heads of security operatives in the local council.

PFN, NOSCEF react

Two prominent Christian bodies, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and the Northern States Christian Elders’ Forum (NOSCEF), have condemned the killings, describing them as barbaric and calling for urgent action to bring perpetrators to justice.

In separate statements yesterday, both organisations expressed sorrow and outrage over the attack, which reportedly occurred around 7:30 pm on Sunday and left over 27 people dead and several others injured.

The PFN, in a statement by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, described the killings as a senseless act of violence and a painful reminder of the fragile peace in Plateau State.

The fellowship warned against a return to what it called the state’s ‘dark and painful chapters’ of violence and division.

“This renewed bloodshed is unacceptable and must be brought to an immediate halt,” the PFN stated, stressing that no grievance, real or perceived, could justify such brutality.

It urged security agencies to act swiftly to apprehend those responsible, noting that the attackers’ ability to strike within the city raises serious concerns about public safety.

The PFN also called on residents, community leaders and stakeholders to remain vigilant, cooperate with law enforcement and avoid actions that could escalate tensions or trigger reprisals.

The fellowship reaffirmed its solidarity with the victims and their families.

Similarly, NOSCEF, in a statement by its chairman, Sunday Oibe, condemned the attack as heinous and dastardly, noting that it occurred on Palm Sunday, a day it described as sacred for Christians, thereby underscoring the provocative nature of the violence.

The forum warned that the recurring pattern of killings in Plateau State was deeply troubling and required urgent and sustained intervention.

It emphasised that the failure to hold perpetrators accountable had continued to embolden criminal elements to perpetuate cycles of violence in the region.

NOSCEF called on security agencies to act decisively, while also urging governments at all levels, community leaders and other stakeholders to collaborate in identifying and dismantling networks behind the attacks.

Both organisations appealed to residents of Plateau State to remain calm but vigilant and to uphold peace and lawful conduct despite provocation.

They also extended condolences to the families of the victims and prayers for the recovery of those injured, insisting that “the time to act is now to prevent further loss of life and restore lasting peace in the state.” (The Sun)

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