Tension mounted across major settlements in Jos, the capital of Plateau State on Wednesday as traders abruptly shut their shops and fled, following a sudden wave of panic whose cause remained unclear at press time.

Witnesses said the situation escalated quickly, with people seen running in different directions, triggering fear among business owners and residents already on edge after recent violence in the city.

“I was attending to customers when I saw people running. Nobody could explain what was happening, but I had to lock up immediately and run for my life”; said Alex Amechi, a shop owner in Taminus market told BusinessDay.

Harris Ugo, another trader in the Taminus market gave a similar account. “There was confusion everywhere. Once I saw others running, I didn’t wait to ask questions. I just secured my shop and left”; he said.

The latest panic comes days after gunmen attacked Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local government area on Palm Sunday, killing at least 28 people and leaving several others injured.

In response to the attack, the Plateau State Government imposed a 48-hour curfew, which was later relaxed to run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. effective April 1, amid what authorities described as improving security conditions.

However, the renewed tension may force the government to reconsider its position, as fear of possible reprisals continues to spread across the Jos metropolis.

Efforts to reach Alfred Alabo, Police Public Relations Officer of the Plateau State Command, were unsuccessful as his phone line could not be reached. (Business Day)