Sunday 13th September – A pall of tension enveloped Tudun Wada Area of Jos North Local Government Council following injuries sustained by four persons over the erection of a stop-and-search barrier.

It all began when security operatives opened fire at a mob during a protest over the mounting of a new road block during Sunday service in the area.

Our correspondent gathered that youths from the Muslim community had protested that the new road block was mounted on the only access road to their community.

An eye witness who did not want his name on print said “it happened around ECWA Church, where a bomb was defused about two months ago. The Church mounted a stop-and-search road block on the only access road to the Muslim community and that caused a protest.”

Another eyewitness, Ibrahim Salis, said their community had no problem with the new road block, except that it is the only access road to our community. We understand the need to block the road during service, but does that mean we have no rights to move in and out of our community?”

Salis said the four persons who sustained injuries had been taken to the hospital.

Operation Safe Haven Media and Information Officer, Captain Ikedichi Iweha, said the fracas was as a result of a breakdown of communication between the two communities.

He said “the community wanted to erect a new barrier on the road, but the matter has been resolved and we urge both sides to communicate more and show understanding.”

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Jos: Fracas in Tudun Wada over roadblock mounted at church