If you have been away from Jos in
the last seven years at least, you will be astonished with the degree with
which the poor security situation in the country has reshaped life in the city.
Previously the major security challenge in Nigeria had been due, largely, to
activities of armed bandits. The emergence of militias in the Niger Delta and
their modes of operation which involves the kidnap of ‘lucrative’ victims in
return for monetary compensation from their family or the oil companies they
work for, led criminal gangs to realize that kidnapping is a far better option
to making money than outright robbery. Thus kidnapping replaced armed robbery
as a major security concern in the country. The next security challenge that
emerged after kidnapping is linked to ethno-religious conflicts in many parts
of the country. Then came Boko Haram that started by fighting members of the
Nigerian Police Force, then other Muslims who don’t buy their idea of Islam, then
government agents and finally the general public. In Jos, security issues had
centered mainly on ethno-religious fighting. With the gradual spread of the
activities of Boko Haram fundamentalist Muslims to other parts of Nigeria
however, it has became obvious that the activities of this religious fundamentalists
has become a second security issue in Jos where several incidences of bomb
attacks have been recorded.
The conflict in Jos has led to
segregation of Christians and Muslims in residential areas, markets and
schools. Above all, there exists a strong absence of trust among members of
these two religious groups. As the activities of Boko Haram gradually spread
from the North-Eastern part of the country, where it originated, to other parts
of the country, it has affected life in Jos too. While ethnic and religious
conflicts have often led to the deployment of Joint Task Forces (JTF) who mount
roadblocks on the highways, the fear of surprise attacks by Boko Haram members
have modified the nature of the security check points erected along the roads.
At the roadblocks currently, protective walls made by piling up sand bags are
very common. The walls narrow the road compelling motorists to drive slowly and
causing long traffic queues. You are not a patient man, you cannot drive in Jos
especially during late hours when people are coming back from their offices.
Since Boko Haram members are
known to make their quick get-away on motorbikes after launching attacks,
police have come up with an order mandating all riders of motorbikes and their
passengers to disembark and push their bikes with the engines shut down at such
roadblocks. If you are coming to town and unaware of this new rule, you will be
greatly astonished if not frightened by the large population of persons
dragging motorbikes with passengers trekking along with them at certain
locations.
The poor security situation has
led to worsening poverty in Jos too. Due to incessant security problems in
Jos-North, Jos-South, Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas, President
Goodluck Jonathan declared a state-of-emergency in the areas. What the public
don’t understand however, is the refusal of the Federal Government to release
monthly subventions these are entitled to since the declaration. The result is
that nothing happens in these local councils of the affected local government
areas. If you are a staff of any of these councils, you have to find money
elsewhere to take care of yourself.
The fear of Boko Haram, has led
to the closure roads leading to churches with huge stones on Sundays. Once
these roads are closed, you can never use them until the worships are over.
Church members are also mandated to park their vehicles far away from the
church location and finishing the completing the journey to church on foot. On
a humorous note, this could be said to have worked against persons who come to
church merely to show off the expensive vehicles they own. The directive coming
from the state security council followed the third incidence of congregational
attacks within five months by persons claiming to be Boko Haram members in Jos.
Armed soldiers are also posted to major church premises while Sunday church
services last.
Commercial vehicles in Jos are
often apprehensive of loading their vehicles with goods fearing that some may
contain concealed explosive materials.
After second bomb incidence at
football viewing centers, police have also banned football viewing centers in
the city.
At banks, people have to be inspected
thoroughly before getting in and bags must be placed very far away from the
buildings.
The presence of members of the JTF
has affected the manner of delivery of justice in Jos with bitter consequences.
Members of the public who are fed up with Nigeria’s often distrustful and
unsatisfying path to justice have resorted to engaging members of the JTF to
settle disagreements that are usually centered on money. Recently, a soldier
beat up a culprit to death. The victim was reported to the soldier by his own
sibling. When irate youths tried to react, the soldier opened fire in
self-defense, killing more persons.
Huge gatherings especially in
late hours are seldom common in Jos these days as they could provide the right
atmosphere for the killing of many, using explosive materials. Thus the status
of the Jos Township Stadium and Polo Field as host venues for huge gatherings
has also changed.
It is sad to see how the
lifestyle in Jos is changing. It is the beginning and many fear how it will end,
whether pleasant or otherwise especially seeing how the federal government has
demonstrated gross incompetence at handling the security problem across the
nation as a whole.
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