As the 24-hour curfew in Jos, Plateau State, continues into its third day, residents are appealing to the state government for a temporary relaxation to allow them to access food and other essential items. The curfew, imposed by Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Sunday night, was a response to the escalating breakdown of law and order in parts of the state capital, where peaceful protests against bad governance were hijacked by some individuals, leading to unrest.
The curfew, which began on Monday, has effectively halted movement and shut down businesses in the Jos North and Bukuru metropolitan areas. While the government insists that the curfew is necessary to prevent further violence, many residents are now voicing concerns over their dwindling supplies of food and essential goods.
In phone interviews with several residents, the growing anxiety was palpable. One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said, “We understand the need for security, but we also need to eat and take care of our families. Three days without access to markets or shops is becoming unbearable.”
Another resident expressed a similar sentiment, urging the government to consider a brief window during the day for people to restock on necessary items. “We’re not asking for much—just a few hours to buy food and medicine. The situation is already tense, and if people can’t get basic supplies, it could lead to even more frustration,” she said.
Governor Mutfwang, however, has maintained that the curfew is crucial to ensuring the situation does not spiral out of control. In a statement, he emphasized that the measure was put in place to protect lives and property and to prevent the protests from being further exploited by criminal elements.
Despite these assurances, the prolonged lockdown is taking a toll on daily life in Jos, with many residents hoping for a compromise that balances security concerns with their immediate needs.
As the curfew enters its third day, all eyes are on the state government to see if any adjustments will be made to ease the burden on the people while maintaining order in the region.
Meanwhile, the End Bad Governance protest has entered its seventh day, with ongoing demonstrations continuing in various parts of the country.
