‘I was in my shop when I heard gunshots’ – Tribune Online

•Survivors of Jos carnage give horrific details of gunmen’s attack

AFTER years of respite, Jos, the capital of Plateau State, is back in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. Prior to this recent incident, Jos North Local Government Area had been the epicentre of internecine conflicts. However, over the past 12 years, the state capital had enjoyed relative calm in what was once a troubled area.

That calm was shattered last Sunday when gunmen stormed the Angwan Rukuba neighbourhood at precisely 8:45 p.m., at a time when routine evening activities were ongoing and some residents were unwinding at various joints within the vicinity. Panic ensued as gunfire suddenly erupted from different directions, forcing people to flee for their lives.

Saturday Tribune gathered that the gunmen, some dressed in military camouflage and others in caftans, invaded the area on motorcycles and in a Sharon bus, brandishing sophisticated firearms and cutlasses. Within 40 minutes, the attackers killed 28 people and injured many others before fleeing without resistance.

Accounts of victims

Shortly after the attackers left, the scene was one of agony and grief. Many victims lay in pools of their own blood, writhing in pain, while others had already died. Survivors have recounted the horrifying events.

A woman, Lami Musa, who owns a shop near the scene, said the attackers began shooting immediately upon arrival.

“I was in my shop when I heard gunshots. I peeped outside and had to flee because of the intense shooting. I hurriedly shut my shop and ran toward the local police station, where I took refuge,” she said.

According to her, the entire community was held hostage for about 40 minutes, with no visible security presence, while officers at the nearby police station reportedly fled.

Andrew Yilmen, currently receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, described how he was shot.

“I was waiting for a bike at Angwan Rukuba junction when the gunmen struck and began shooting. I was gunned down while running with others toward the sleepy community of Gari Ya Waye. I later found myself in this hospital,” he explained.

Another victim, Longwan Yilmen, had gone out to buy drugs when he was caught in the crossfire. Minutes later, he was fatally shot. According to his younger brother, Thaddeus Yilmen, Longwan had gone with a relative to a certain pharmacy when the shooting began. While the relative survived after being locked inside the shop with others, Longwan, who remained outside, was killed.

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Another heartbreaking account is that of Mama Promise, whose only son was killed.

“Promise was my only son. I give God the glory, since He gave him to me and has taken him. But I believe that his blood and the blood of other innocent victims will not be shed in vain. I will not remain silent.

“The God of justice will arise and defend us. Even though we do not know those responsible or where they are hiding, we believe that God sees all and will bring justice in His own way,” she said, clutching her son’s lifeless body.

Also affected was a man identified as Tayo Johnson, who was travelling to Gombe State when he was caught in the violence. He is currently receiving treatment at the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Jos University Teaching Hospital and could barely speak due to gunshot wounds and multiple cuts.

Governor’s unscheduled visit to Angwan Rukuba community

In a bid to calm frayed nerves and prevent reprisal attacks, the state government imposed a 48-hour curfew. However, when youths in the area learned of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s planned visit on Monday, they retrieved the 27 corpses deposited in the mortuary and displayed them before him.

The governor, who arrived at Angwan Rukuba junction to sympathise with residents and calm the youths, was visibly emotional as he addressed the crowd.

He urged the community to avoid mass burials and instead allow families to bury their loved ones individually. He also appealed for the corpses to be taken back to the hospital for proper burial arrangements.

“Please don’t allow the corpses to decompose. Let’s evacuate them to the hospital. I assure you there will be no mass burial. I have made that commitment. I will liaise with the families to ensure they are given decent burials. Those in the hospital will continue to receive treatment until they recover,” Mutfwang said.

He described the community as home to people of diverse tribes and nationalities, noting that he also has relatives living in Angwan Rukuba. He called for restraint and patience as the government works to uncover the causes of the attack.

In a subsequent broadcast announcing a relaxation of the curfew, the governor reiterated the ban on commercial motorcycle operations (Okada) within the Jos Greater Master Plan as part of measures to prevent a recurrence.

Recalling a widely circulated video during the Ramadan fast in which a young man threatened violence, the governor disclosed that the suspect had been arrested.

“I am pleased to inform you that security agencies have apprehended a suspect who earlier issued threats against the peace of our state. We are committed to ensuring that all those involved in this heinous act are swiftly brought to justice and prosecuted accordingly. This time, we shall pursue justice to its logical conclusion to ensure closure for the victims, their families, and the peace-loving people of Plateau State,” he said.

To the surprise of observers, fresh tension erupted in parts of the state capital on Wednesday as hoodlums exploited the relaxation of the curfew to harass drivers and bystanders. Although security personnel intervened, the attackers destroyed vehicles and killed three people in different areas of the city.

During the unrest, some students of the University of Jos were assaulted and injured by the rampaging hoodlums. It has become common for students of the institution to fall victim during crises, largely because both the permanent site and main campus are located in volatile areas.

Consequently, amid rising tension, the university authorities directed students to vacate the hostels. The directive was conveyed in a statement signed by the Deputy Registrar, Publications and Public Relations, Emmanuel Madugu.

At present, tension still pervades the state capital amid threats of reprisal attacks. Indications suggest that segregation barriers previously dismantled are being rebuilt, while residents are avoiding certain areas for safety.