Fresh Panic Empties Markets in Jos as Traders Flee Amid Rising Tension

Tension swept across major settlements in Jos on Wednesday after a sudden wave of panic forced traders to shut their shops and flee, in an incident that underscored growing anxiety in the Plateau State capital.

The cause of the panic remained unclear as of press time, but eyewitness accounts described a rapidly escalating situation in which people ran in different directions, sparking widespread fear among residents and business owners.

At the bustling Terminus Market, one of the city’s main commercial hubs, traders abandoned their stalls abruptly as uncertainty spread.

“I was attending to customers when I saw people running. Nobody could explain what was happening, but I had to lock up immediately and run for my life,” said Alex Amechi, a shop owner.

Another trader, Harris Ugo, recounted a similar experience, describing scenes of confusion and fear. “There was confusion everywhere. Once I saw others running, I didn’t wait to ask questions. I just secured my shop and left,” he said.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions following a recent attack on Angwan Rukuba in Jos North, where gunmen killed at least 28 people during Palm Sunday celebrations. Several others were injured in the assault, which has deepened fears of renewed violence in the region.

In the aftermath of the attack, the Plateau State Government imposed a 48-hour curfew to contain the situation. Authorities later eased the restriction, adjusting it to run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. effective April 1, citing signs of improving security conditions.

However, Wednesday’s panic has raised concerns that the fragile calm may be slipping, with many residents fearing possible reprisals or further unrest across the Jos metropolis.

Efforts to reach Alfred Alabo, Police Public Relations Officer of the Plateau State Command, were unsuccessful, as his phone line was not reachable at the time of filing this report.

Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement clarifying the cause of the incident, leaving residents in a state of uncertainty as normal activities remain disrupted in parts of the city.