Residents of Jos, the capital of Plateau State, have staged protests against the persistent kidnappings and killings perpetrated by gunmen in the region. These demonstrations, led by Christian leaders, including Polycarp Lubo, the Plateau chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), reflect growing public frustration over the ongoing violence.

The protests originated at the Fwavwei Junction community road, causing significant gridlock and stranding commuters. Demonstrators carried placards bearing messages such as ‘That they do not die not in vain’, ‘we walk for peace’, ‘Stop the killings’, ‘Stop the bloodshed’, ‘Every life matters’, and ‘Let Plateau live’, underscoring their demands for an end to the violence and a restoration of peace.

These protests follow a series of violent attacks in Plateau, particularly in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas (LGAs), where over 100 people have reportedly been killed in the past two weeks. A faction of CAN in the 19 northern states has called for justice for the victims and an end to what they describe as “senseless” killings. Yakubu Pam, chairman of this CAN faction, emphasized the need for unity among all stakeholders—including traditional rulers, religious leaders, security operatives, and community-based organizations—to combat the decades-long cycle of violence in Plateau.

In response to the escalating crisis, President Bola Tinubu has directed Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang to address the “age-long” communal issues contributing to the killings. Governor Mutfwang has stated that his administration is taking decisive steps to prevent a recurrence of recent violence, including a ban on night grazing and restrictions on motorcycle use. The governor has also prohibited the transportation of cattle by vehicles after 7 p.m. and has characterized the killings as “coordinated acts of terror” aimed at displacing residents and denying them their right to live peacefully on their ancestral lands.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has assured that those responsible for the killings in Plateau State will soon face justice. The IGP also noted the negative impact of the violence on farming activities in the state.

Community leaders, like Gyang Dalyop, have voiced their discontent, stating, “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.” Protesters have been observed moving towards the Government House to express their grievances to Governor Caleb Muftwang, with some, like Hannatu Philip, urging the government to take immediate action to prevent further escalation.

The protests also occurred after a visit to Plateau by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, and service chiefs, during which assurances were given that the violence would soon end.