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The tension that enveloped Jos after last Friday’s explosions eased a little yesterday, giving way to a more relaxed atmosphere as many people stepped out of their immediate environments for the first time since the explosions.

Jos was also relatively calm yesterday with the cessation of mob actions and other forms of hostilities as people went about their businesses as usual, though many were quick to return to their houses.

STF spokesman Charles Ekeocha confirmed there were no further incidents yesterday, saying everywhere had been calm unlike the previous day. He appealed to the people to continue to remain calm, saying the STF was doing its best to ensure security of lives and property.

Our correspondents observed that despite constant announcements by the state government on radio that no curfew had been imposed, many residents still preferred to close shops and return home. Our correspondents also observed that despite the fact that the Christmas holidays ended on Tuesday, many commercial institutions, including banks, opened as late 10am yesterday. An internet café operator at Bukuru Park, who gave his name as Sam Attane, told our correspondent that the turnout of customers in his cafe was not as it used to be before the blast, adding “people come and go but the turnout is not as usual as before the blasts”.

President of the Igbo Democratic Forum (IDF) Chief Chidi Ndu expressed happiness that things were gradually returning to normal, saying there could only be development in an atmosphere of peace. He called on Igbo traders to continue with their lawful businesses and report any suspicious movement to the police.

Muhammad Abdullahi, who sells fruits along the British American junction, said he was happy that people had started moving about. The trader said he now closes at 5pm because “once it is 6pm the place will become deserted, anyone you see is trying to get home which results to low patronage in business”. When our correspondents visited some bank premises there were notices placed at the entrance informing customers that banks would close by 1pm due to the tension in the city.

A customer who did not reveal his name said, “This is 1pm, I came to collect the update form which they say every customer must fill and submit on or before December 31 and they are telling me that they have closed and this is just 1pm”. Ahmed Kabiru, a commercial motorcycle operator said, “People now prefer to go out to work late and close early because one cannot tell what might happen. I believe if not because people have to come out and look for what to eat, most people would have remained indoors because of uncertainties prevailing in the state”.

It was further observed that busy areas like Ahmadu Bello Way and Terminus now have fewer people as other streets still remain deserted with a few vehicles passing through, whereas areas such as British American Junction and Jos main market areas that serve as marked points for hold ups now have an easier going traffic flow.