Hundreds of frustrated residents in Plateau State defied a state-imposed curfew on Monday morning, taking to the streets to protest the deadly Palm Sunday attack that claimed multiple lives in Jos North.
The protest took place in Anguwan Rukuba, the community where the attack occurred on Sunday evening.
Videos circulating on social media showed residents chanting and demanding urgent government action over the recurring killings in the area. Some demonstrators expressed frustration over what they described as the government’s failure to prevent repeated attacks.
One of the protesters said the curfew imposed by authorities was not a solution to the persistent insecurity.
“People are outside because of the attack that happened yesterday. They chased the security men because they are not doing any help right here,” the protester said.
He added that the attackers struck during a power outage, forcing residents to flee for their lives.
“Yesterday around 7pm to 8pm, there was no light, and there was rapid shooting. A lot of people had to flee for their lives,” he added.
Eyewitnesses said the protest was later disrupted when operatives of the Nigeria Police Force moved in to disperse the crowd, with reports that officers prepared to fire tear gas.
“People are now running because the police want to shoot at us. They want to fire teargas,” an eyewitness said.
The protest followed the Sunday evening attack when suspected gunmen, reportedly dressed in military uniforms, stormed Anguwan Rukuba and opened fire on residents in what witnesses described as a busy market area.
A resident, Nyam Isaac, said the attackers left several people injured during the assault.
“Gunmen came around 8 pm to Anguwan Rukuba and shot randomly at people. It’s a market setting. People who saw them said they came in soldier khaki. They left many injured,” he said.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the recurring violence in Plateau State.
In response, the state government imposed a 48-hour curfew across Jos North Local Government Area. The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, confirmed the development in a statement.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang also condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and unprovoked, while assuring residents that security agencies had been mobilised to apprehend those responsible.