Blood on the Streets: Jos Protesters Demand Action Now

Jos, the capital of Plateau State, erupted in protest on Easter Monday, 21st of April. The streets, usually calm, were filled with fervor and a demand that has echoed in the hearts of many for years: enough is enough. This protest, led by Christian leaders such as Rev. Polycarp Lubo of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), saw thousands marching down to Fawvwei Junction, creating a massive traffic gridlock and disrupting the usual flow of life in the city.

The Cause of the Protest

The cause? The incessant killings and attacks in Plateau State, particularly the violence carried out by suspected Fulani militants. The protesters, armed with placards, voices full of grief and anger, are calling on the Nigerian government to intervene, end the killings, and restore peace. “We are not happy over the continuous attacks and killings by gunmen in our communities,” said one of the protesters, Gyang Dalyop. “That’s why we have come out again to protest these happenings.”

In a region already scarred by violence, the recent surge of deadly attacks has pushed the people of Plateau past their breaking point. Over the past two weeks, more than 100 people have been killed in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs. Just days earlier, 51 lives were lost in Zikke and Kimakpa villages. The attackers, believed to be Fulani herders, did not only take lives but also razed homes, looted properties, and displaced thousands. The repeated strikes on farming communities , many of which are predominantly Christian, have left residents living in constant fear, with no end to the bloodshed in sight.

A History of Conflict

The violence in Plateau is far from new. It is the product of long-standing tensions between herders and farmers, often framed as an ethno-religious conflict between the Muslim Fulani and Christian farming communities. But the roots of this violence run much deeper. While religious and ethnic identities have played a part, the real drivers are issues of land scarcity, climate change, and resource competition.

In Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where Plateau is located, land is a precious commodity. The fertile grounds that once sustained both farmers and herders are shrinking. The growth of agriculture, coupled with the impacts of climate change, has reduced grazing land for the nomadic Fulani herders. As these pastoralists push further into farmers’ territories in search of pasture for their cattle, clashes have become inevitable. The violence, however, is not just about land. It has been compounded by mistrust and resentment that have festered over decades.

The Toll of the Conflict

Since 2019, the number of fatalities from these clashes has skyrocketed. More than 500 lives have been lost in Plateau alone, and the scars of the violence stretch beyond physical wounds. Over 2 million people have been displaced, with many finding refuge in overcrowded camps. The attacks are no longer just sporadic incidents but a continuing, inescapable reality for the people of Plateau.

The government has been criticized for its inaction in the face of this persistent crisis. Amnesty International has called the security lapses in the region “inexcusable,” highlighting the lack of a cohesive, strategic response to the escalating violence. Despite promises of intervention and the presence of security forces, the situation remains dire. The frustration of the people of Plateau, particularly the youth, is palpable, and their voices are growing louder.

The Need for Immediate Action

It is not just the farmers who are suffering; the herders, too, are caught in a vicious cycle. Many Fulani herders live in fear of reprisals, and their livelihoods are jeopardized by the loss of grazing land. But as more lives are lost, both sides are left questioning the role of government in preventing these tragedies. The cycle of violence continues to claim the lives of innocent Nigerians, and the people of Jos, Bokkos, Bassa, and beyond are demanding that the government act decisively.

The protest in Jos is not just a cry for help; it is a message to the government and the world that enough is enough. The youth, who have witnessed the deaths of family members, neighbors, and friends, are no longer content with just hope: they want action. They want security, justice, and a future where they do not have to live in fear.

This protest is part of a larger movement across Nigeria. It is a call to end the impunity that allows such violence to continue and a demand for a fairer, more just society. The people of Plateau State, particularly its youth, are ready for change. They are tired of being casualties in a war that they never started.

A Call for Peace and Justice

As the protestors make their voices heard, they are not just speaking for themselves. They are speaking for every Nigerian who has lost someone to senseless violence, for every person displaced by a conflict they did not choose, and for every youth who hopes for a peaceful future.