2014 Jos bombings

2014 Jos bombings
2014 Jos bombings
Part of Boko Haram insurgency
Location	Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
Date	20 May 2014
Target	Civilians
Attack type	Bombing
Weapons	Improvised explosive device
Deaths	118
Injured	56
Perpetrators	Boko Haram

Nigeria Plateau State map

The 2014 Jos bombings were a series of bombing attacks that occurred on 20 May 2014 in the city of Jos, the capital of Plateau State in Nigeria. The attacks were carried out by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram and resulted in the deaths of at least 118 people, with 56 others injured.

Background[edit | edit source]

Jos has been a flashpoint for ethnic and religious tensions in Nigeria, often experiencing violence between the predominantly Christian Berom and the predominantly Muslim Hausa. The city is located in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria, which has seen frequent clashes over land, resources, and political power.

Boko Haram, an Islamist militant group, has been waging an insurgency in Nigeria since 2009, aiming to establish an Islamic state in the region. The group has been responsible for numerous attacks on civilians, government institutions, and security forces.

The Attacks[edit | edit source]

The bombings in Jos occurred in a busy market area, targeting civilians during peak hours. The first explosion took place at around 3:00 PM local time, followed by a second explosion about 30 minutes later. The second bomb was reportedly hidden in a truck loaded with goods, which exacerbated the damage and casualties.

The blasts caused significant destruction, setting fire to nearby buildings and vehicles. Emergency services and local residents worked together to rescue survivors and recover bodies from the rubble.

Aftermath[edit | edit source]

In the immediate aftermath of the bombings, there was widespread panic and confusion in Jos. Security forces cordoned off the area, and hospitals were overwhelmed with the number of casualties. The Nigerian government condemned the attacks and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The bombings in Jos were part of a broader campaign of violence by Boko Haram, which has targeted various locations across Nigeria. The attacks highlighted the group's ability to strike in different parts of the country and underscored the challenges faced by the Nigerian government in combating the insurgency.