Fresh protests erupted in Jos, the capital of Plateau State, on Monday, as angry residents took to the streets to condemn the latest wave of deadly attacks on communities in the state. The demonstrations were led by Christian leaders, including the Plateau State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Polycarp Lubo.
The protesters, made up of community members, civil society activists, and religious leaders, gathered at the Fwavwei Junction area early in the morning. From there, they marched through the city, causing major traffic disruption along key roads and leaving commuters stranded for hours.
Carrying placards with bold messages such as “Stop the Killings Now,” “We Are Tired of Mass Burials,” and “Where Is Our Government?”, the demonstrators expressed their frustration over the worsening security situation, particularly in rural communities.
The protest follows a fresh round of attacks in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas, where over 100 people have reportedly been killed within the last two weeks. Entire villages have been raided, with homes burnt, farmlands destroyed, and survivors left without shelter or food.
One of the protesters, Gyang Dalyop, said residents are fed up with living in fear and watching their loved ones die without any help from authorities.
“We are not happy over the continuous attacks and killings by gunmen in our communities. That’s why we have come out again to protest these happenings,” he said.
Another protester, Hannatu Philip, called on both the Plateau State Government and the Federal Government to take urgent action before the crisis gets completely out of control.
“We want the government to listen to our cries. Too many lives have been lost, and we cannot keep burying our people every week. The killing must stop,” she said.
Rev. Polycarp Lubo, Plateau State Chairman of CAN, who joined the protest, described the situation as heartbreaking and unacceptable. He said that churches across the state are mourning, and many Christians are living in fear.
“This is not the first time we are crying out. The killings have continued for too long, and the government cannot keep turning a blind eye. We are tired of condolences. We want action,” Lubo said.
He further demanded the deployment of more security personnel to the affected areas and called on President Bola Tinubu to personally intervene to bring lasting peace to Plateau State.
Plateau State, located in Nigeria’s North Central region, has for years been the site of deadly clashes between farmers and herders, often along ethnic and religious lines. While the conflict is rooted in competition over land and resources, it has taken on more dangerous dimensions, with attacks becoming increasingly deadly and frequent.
In recent years, armed groups—often described by locals as Fulani militants—have carried out coordinated attacks on mostly Christian farming communities, particularly in Bokkos, Bassa, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi LGAs.
The violence has led to thousands of deaths, widespread displacement, and deep mistrust among communities. Efforts at peacebuilding and reconciliation have yielded only limited results.
In December 2023, more than 200 people were killed in a series of coordinated attacks during Christmas Eve in Bokkos and Mangu. Despite the public outrage that followed, many say justice has yet to be served and the killings have not stopped.
The protesters on Monday demanded more than just promises. They want urgent action from both the state and federal governments to secure communities, arrest perpetrators, and support displaced persons.
Speaking to journalists during the protest, another Christian leader, Pastor John Bulus, said the people of Plateau are tired of being victims.
“Our people have suffered enough. We have been buried under silence for too long. We demand security, justice, and peace. The government must show that every Nigerian life matters, including those in remote villages,” he said.
The demonstrators also presented a letter at the Rayfield Government House, calling on Governor Caleb Mutfwang to engage more directly with security agencies and ensure the safety of all Plateau residents.
The protest, though peaceful, caused significant disruptions in Jos. Many roads were blocked, especially around the Ahmadu Bello Way, Terminus area, and the route leading to the Rayfield Government House.
Commuters expressed mixed feelings—while many supported the reason for the protest, some were frustrated by the traffic delays. Public transport drivers were forced to take longer routes, and many workers arrived late to their offices.
“We support the protest because too many people are dying, but the government must find a way to respond quickly so we don’t have to keep doing this,” said Paul Musa, a commercial tricycle operator caught in the traffic.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official statement from the Plateau State Government regarding the protest. However, there are expectations that the governor may meet with CAN leaders and community representatives to discuss the grievances raised.
Security operatives were present throughout the protest to maintain order, and there were no reports of violence or arrests.
The protest marks yet another chapter in the ongoing security crisis in Plateau State. While the demonstrators have gone home for now, their message was clear: the people of Plateau are running out of patience, and the killings must stop.
