There was heightened tension in Jos yesterday, following the relaxation of the 48-hour curfew imposed by the Plateau State government.

The restriction was initially imposed after gunmen attacked residents of Angwan Rukuba in Jos, leaving several dead.

However, the state government eased the curfew earlier imposed on Jos North Local Council following improved security in the area.

The Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, who disclosed this in a statement, explained that the curfew would now run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, effective yesterday, to allow residents to attend to their normal activities within the permitted hours.

But yesterday morning, the relaxation of the curfew failed to ease tensions in Jos, as hoodlums and an irate mob reportedly attacked many motorists and passersby in different parts of the city, causing fresh fear and panic among residents.

It was learned that on the road leading to the University of Jos permanent site, a young man was hacked to death by hoodlums.

The Guardian further learned that several motorists, in the Terminus, Bauchi Road and Gangere areas, had their windscreens smashed by hoodlums.

It was gathered that the most affected areas included the University of Jos axis, Bauchi Road, Farin Gada, Tina Junction, and Chobe, a situation which paralysed business activities in the state capital.

The University of Jos Alumni Association, in a statement signed yesterday by its Global President, Gad Peter Shamaki, expressed concern over the recent rise in tension and reported threats affecting students, staff, and the broader university community.
ALSO, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria has condemned the terrorist attacks and killings on the Plateau.

Its Chairman, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, expressed deep concern over the tragic loss of lives, mass displacement, and emotional trauma inflicted on citizens by the escalating violence.

Guwor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, acknowledged the Federal Government’s role in national security, but stressed that other critical stakeholders must act to contain the violence.

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly maintained that the security and welfare of the people are not negotiable, noting that targeted Interventions would cushion the negative effects of the worrisome situation.

BESIDES, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has reiterated the call for the urgent establishment of state police in the country.

He also urged the federal and Plateau governments, as well as relevant security agencies, to urgently find a comprehensive solution to the cycle of violence affecting the North-Central state.

Adams made the call in a statement made to condemn the recent wave of killings on the Plateau.
SIMILARLY, the League of Northern Democrats (LND) has expressed dismay at the continuing murderous attacks and violence in Anguwan Rukuba, Jos, Plateau State, urging security forces to painstakingly investigate, identify and respond appropriately to perpetrators of the gruesome crimes.

LND challenged the security and immigration authorities to immediately investigate the activities of an American, Mr Alex Berbir, with a view to establishing any violations of Nigerian law, and taking appropriate legal action against him.

While noting that Nigeria’s unity and stability must be protected against internal saboteurs and foreign mercenaries at all costs, the group regretted the continuing interest of foreign interests in the raging violence in the northern part of the country.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Ladan Salihu, LND expressed serious concern over the presence and general activities of Bierbir, whom it claimed could be a mercenary, in connection with the deadly incident.

The group claimed, “For a foreigner to come and openly meddle in our internal affairs so brazenly tells the terrible state our country has fallen into. We find it troubling that he reportedly appeared at the scene almost immediately after the attack.

“We therefore call on authorities to clarify when he entered Nigeria, how he arrived at the location so quickly and the purpose of his presence, including the contents of the bag he was seen carrying.

“More concerning are video clips of this same individual previously seen in Jos openly inciting religious tension by holding the Holy Qur’an and misrepresenting its teachings to provoke hostility against Muslims. Such actions are dangerous and unacceptable in a fragile security environment.”