Hundreds of residents in Jos, the Plateau State capital, on Sunday took to the streets in protest against the incessant killings and kidnappings that have gripped the state, particularly in Bokkos and Bassa local government areas.
The peaceful protest, led by Christian leaders under the umbrella of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), was aimed at drawing attention to what they described as “systematic and senseless bloodshed” that has left over 100 people dead in the past two weeks alone.
Bearing placards with inscriptions such as ‘Stop the bloodshed’, ‘Every life matters’, ‘Let Plateau live’, and ‘That they do not die in vain’, the demonstrators marched from the Fwavwei Junction community road, causing traffic gridlock that left many commuters stranded for hours.
Plateau CAN chairman, Rev. Polycarp Lubo, who led the march, said the protest was a reflection of the growing frustration and pain felt by residents over the government’s inability to halt the killings.
He urged security agencies to act decisively and hold perpetrators accountable.
“This is not just about Christians or Muslims. It is about the sanctity of human life. Plateau people are tired of burying their loved ones. Enough is enough,” Lubo said.
The demonstration follows growing national outcry over recent attacks in Plateau communities.
A faction of CAN in the 19 northern states, led by Rev. Yakubu Pam, had earlier demanded justice and called for a collective effort to end the violence.
“We cannot afford to be silent anymore. The time has come for religious leaders, traditional rulers, security operatives, and community organisations to work together to break this cycle of violence,” Pam stated.
President Bola Tinubu had on April 14 directed Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to address the age-long communal tensions believed to be fueling the unrest.
Responding the next day, Mutfwang announced a series of new security measures, including a ban on night grazing, restrictions on motorcycle usage, and a prohibition on cattle transportation by vehicles after 7pm.
Describing the attacks as “coordinated acts of terror” aimed at displacing indigenous communities, the governor said his administration was committed to restoring peace and preventing a repeat of the bloodshed.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also assured residents that security operatives were closing in on those responsible for the violence, warning that they would soon receive the “surprise of their lives.”
He added that the unrest has disrupted farming and other economic activities in the state, worsening the hardship faced by already vulnerable communities.
Despite multiple government interventions, the killings have persisted, raising questions about the effectiveness of the current security architecture and the political will to address the root causes of the conflict.
The protesters vowed to continue their peaceful advocacy until concrete actions are taken to safeguard lives and properties across Plateau State.
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