Tension Soars in Jos as Protesters Rally Against Rising Bloodshed in Plateau Communities

 

A wave of public outrage swept through the streets of Jos, Plateau State capital, on Monday morning as hundreds of protesters, led by Christian leaders, staged a demonstration against the relentless attacks on indigenous residents by gunmen alleged to be Fulani militants.

The protest, spearheaded by religious figures including the state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Polycarp Lubo, brought the city to a standstill. The demonstrators assembled at Fawvwei Junction, blocking major roads and triggering massive traffic congestion that left commuters stranded for hours.

Their placards carried powerful messages—“Enough is Enough,” “Stop the Killings Now,” and “Justice for Plateau Victims”—as they marched determinedly toward the Rayfield Government House, seeking the attention of state authorities. The mood was somber yet resolute, with many expressing frustration at the government's perceived failure to curb the escalating violence.

For weeks, communities in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas have suffered gruesome attacks, leaving trails of blood and grief. Over 100 lives have reportedly been lost in just the last two weeks, prompting renewed calls for action from civil society, religious leaders, and affected families.

“We are tired of crying,” said Gyang Dalyop, one of the protesters who had lost a relative in the recent wave of killings. “These attacks have been happening for far too long. We live in fear every night, wondering if we’ll see the morning. We are here to demand protection and justice for our people.”

Another protester, Hannatu Philip, echoed the urgency of the situation, pleading for intervention before the unrest escalates beyond control. “The government must rise to its responsibility. This is not just a community issue—it’s a humanitarian crisis,” she said. “If nothing is done soon, the consequences will be devastating for the entire state.”

Monday’s demonstration comes against the backdrop of increasing insecurity across parts of central Nigeria, where clashes between farming communities and suspected herders have continued to claim lives. Residents say the latest incidents are not isolated but part of a broader pattern of targeted aggression against indigenous populations.

Despite several military operations and promises of intervention by the federal and state governments, the attackers often strike in the dead of night, razing villages and killing civilians with apparent impunity. Survivors recount horrifying stories of entire families wiped out, children orphaned, and homes reduced to ashes.

Religious leaders have played a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of affected communities. Reverend Lubo, speaking to journalists at the protest, decried the silence of leadership and the failure to bring perpetrators to justice. “This is not just about faith or tribe—it’s about human lives. The church cannot remain quiet while our people are slaughtered. We are marching today not in anger, but in pain and righteous demand for justice,” he said.

The protest also highlighted a broader distrust in political leaders, with many residents accusing them of turning a blind eye to the plight of their constituents. While state authorities have occasionally condemned the violence, few arrests have been made, and prosecution remains elusive. That lack of accountability continues to fuel resentment and a growing sense of abandonment.

Security forces were deployed along the protest route to maintain order, but the demonstration remained peaceful. Protesters observed moments of silence for the victims and prayed openly for peace to return to their ravaged communities.

As the march drew closer to the gates of the Rayfield Government House, chants of “Protect Plateau” and “We want peace!” filled the air. Though it remains uncertain whether state officials will respond to the demands immediately, the protest marks a turning point in public response to the crisis—a collective cry for help, loud and clear.

Many who participated believe this show of solidarity could ignite a broader national conversation about the persistent violence plaguing parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt. For the people of Jos and surrounding communities, the stakes are life and death, and silence is no longer an option.

As dusk approached, the streets of Jos slowly cleared, but the message lingered—a desperate call for safety, dignity, and justice in a region that has endured far too much suffering for far too long.