Chaos, Tension As Violent Protest Rocks Jos

Violent protests broke out Tuesday night in Gada-Biu in the Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State as some residents took to the streets over the rising state of insecurity in the area.

The protest started in the evening and gradually degenerated with the protesters burning vehicles and descending on passersby.

It is understood that the situation escalated upon the deployment of security, as gunshots and loud noises could be heard.

“It started this (Tuesday) evening and the presence of security operatives worsened the situation as they started shooting. But we can’t say yet if anyone was injured. By tomorrow morning, more details would have emerged,” a source said.

Tuesday’s violence – the latest to rock the north-central city – began after gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen attacked villages in Miango, killing no fewer than 100 people.

Following the outbreak of violence Tuesday night, there are fears of reprisal attacks in other parts of town as gunshots have already rent the air.

Students have largely remained at home while workers have been advised on what routes to ply to get to their places of work.

Security operatives have been deployed in strategic locations in the city to prevent an escalation of hostilities.

More to follow…