By Cross Udo, Abuja
Clashes resumed in Jos on Wednesday shortly after the Plateau State Government relaxed the 48-hour curfew imposed following the deadly Sunday night attack in Anguwan Rukuba, triggering fresh fears of casualties and renewed attacks.
Residents reported panic across parts of Jos North Local Government Area as traders hurriedly shut their shops and fled to safety amid fears of reprisals and further violence.
Findings indicated that the unrest spread to flashpoints, including Bauchi Road, Farin Gada, and Nasarawa Gwong, where residents said sporadic attacks and counterattacks created tension across the city.
Although authorities have yet to confirm the number of casualties from the latest violence, security agencies have increased patrols to contain the situation.
The Plateau State Police Command had earlier confirmed fatalities from the initial Anguwan Rukuba attack, with reports indicating that at least 27 persons were killed. In contrast, others were injured or declared missing.
Police spokesman, Alfred Alabo, said the Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, deployed tactical teams to the affected community following distress calls, adding that operatives had commenced operations to track down those responsible for the killings.
The curfew was imposed after gunmen, reportedly riding motorcycles, opened fire on residents around the Anguwan Rukuba axis on Sunday evening, killing several persons and sparking outrage among youths who barricaded roads in protest.
The University of Jos subsequently rescheduled the examinations scheduled for March 30 and 31, citing security concerns, and urged staff and students to avoid unnecessary movement.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, in a statewide broadcast, assured residents that the state would not succumb to fear, stressing that measures were being intensified to restore normalcy.
*Tinubu alters itinerary to visit Plateau victims
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has adjusted his itinerary to visit Plateau State following the killings.
The Presidency announced that the President postponed his scheduled trip to Iperu, Ogun State, where he was billed to flag off operations at the Gateway International Cargo Airport, and instead travelled to Jos to commiserate with the government and people of the state over the loss of lives.
According to presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the visit forms part of Tinubu’s four-state itinerary.
From Plateau, the President is expected to proceed to Lagos to observe the Good Friday holiday before travelling to Ogun State on April 4 for the commissioning of the cargo airport and inauguration of two commercial aircraft aimed at boosting export and import activities.
Tinubu is also scheduled to inaugurate the new edifice of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigerian Customs Service and operational vehicles, as well as key infrastructure projects in Lagos, including the Ojota/Opebi Link Bridge, the Lagos State Geographic Information System Building, a Multi-Agency Complex named after the President, and a school complex.
Before returning to Abuja, the President will visit Bayelsa State on April 10 to inaugurate projects executed by Governor Duoye Diri.
