Jos Residents Halt Planned Protest Over Suspects' Release Following Government Intervention

A planned peaceful protest in Jos, Plateau State, intended to express dissatisfaction over the release of two individuals by the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace has been postponed. This decision was reached following engagement with government officials and security operatives.

The protest, primarily organized by Muslim residents and slated for Wednesday, aimed to challenge the release of the two suspects, who are Christians, on Tuesday. Their release followed a separate demonstration by women in the Angwan Rukuba area, who vouched for the innocence of the apprehended individuals.

These two men were initially arrested by the joint task force on Thursday night. They were accused of impersonating security operatives and allegedly causing disturbances within the community. A statement from the joint task force's spokesperson, Captain Chinonso Oteh, detailed that troops intercepted the two individuals while they were reportedly engaged in arson and inciting violence.

The arrest occurred after reports of sporadic shooting in the Dutse Uku general area late Thursday night. Residents in the vicinity of Tina Junction and Cele Bridge corroborated hearing gunshots.

On Tuesday, the women who protested for the release of the suspects, identified as Moses Kefas, Joseph Bitrus, and Azi Daddy, held placards outside the church where burial proceedings were scheduled. They had asserted that the victims of a previous fatal attack on Palm Sunday would not be buried until the suspects were freed. The two men were subsequently released amidst celebrations in their community.

A youth leader from Tina Junction, Sarki Aru, stated that the release was facilitated by Governor Caleb Muftwang. He explained that he and others had assisted some Yoruba Muslims in extinguishing fires at their homes, which had been set by unknown individuals. Aru mentioned that the arrested men were guarding their own homes at the time of their apprehension and thanked the governor and the deputy speaker for their intervention.

However, the release of these suspects triggered discontent among some residents, primarily Muslims, who expressed concerns about perceived selective justice and government handling of similar situations. Abu Muhammad, a resident, criticized the release as being influenced by political pressure, arguing that it compromises criminal accountability and could perpetuate cycles of violence. He questioned the government's commitment to resolving the state's ongoing crisis if such decisions are based on religious affiliation or the nature of protests.

While some residents initially called for a protest against the suspects' release, Aliyu Naziru, one of the organizers, confirmed that the demonstration has been called off. He attributed the cancellation to the intervention of Plateau State government officials and security forces.

Further reports indicate that other individuals of Muslim faith who had been arrested were also released on Tuesday night. The Gari Ya Waye community in Angwan Rukuba experienced a fatal attack on Sunday, following which peace in Jos has remained precarious. Despite an initial curfew, unrest resurfaced after its relaxation. Security forces remain deployed, and a dusk-to-dawn curfew is still in effect to maintain order.