The Muslim community in Plateau State has said it has lost more than 4,700 members to various violent crises that have rocked the state since 2001.
The claim was made by the Jasawa Community Development Association (JCDA) during a special prayer session held on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Jos Central Mosque.
The group said the figures challenge the popular perception that only Christians in the state have suffered large-scale killings.
Speaking at the 17th commemoration prayers for victims of the unrest, the National President of JCDA, Yawale Muhammad, said the association had meticulously documented Muslim casualties across multiple crises in 2001, 2002, 2004, 2008, 2010 and other years, putting the total number at over 4,700.
Muhammad noted that the 2008 violence, which erupted during local government elections in Jos North, was among the deadliest, claiming hundreds of lives.
“The Muslim Community is today, gathered here to mark the 17th commemoration of the killing of our brothers and sisters since 2001 to date,” Mohammad said.
He added that for more than two decades, many communities especially in Jos North, which has a large Muslim population had repeatedly suffered attacks that claimed the lives of men, women and children across the state.
“For us, every 28th November is not just another date on the calendar. It is a date that subsumed other dates in which unfortunate crises had befallen us.
It is also set aside for sober reflection, mourning, truth-telling, prayer, and renewed resolve,” Muhammad said.
He also listed the major episodes recorded by the group: more than 700 Muslims killed in 2001; hundreds more in the 2002 Eto Baba incident; at least 700 victims during the 2004 Yelwa-Shendam crisis; more than 1,000 deaths linked to the 2008 post-election unrest; and over 2,000 reportedly killed during the 2010 multi-location attacks in areas including Dutse Uku, Gero and Kuru Jenta.
He added that the 2011 Rukuba Road Eid attack left 20 worshippers dead, while the 2021 Rukuba Road incident claimed hundreds of lives among Muslim travellers.
“We have mass graves at Jos Zaria road Muslims cemetery, Narkuta Muslims cemetery, Dadin Kowa Muslims cemetery, Yelwan Shendam Muslim Cemetery, and others,” he added.
Another community leader, Alhaji Shehu Masalla, emphasised the significance of the annual commemoration, saying:
“November 28 is a special day for us as Muslims because we remember those who were killed during the period. We have lost property worth millions of naira. This day is very significant for us.”
Leading the prayers, Malam Hamisu Umaru described the session as an important spiritual exercise for the victims and the wider community.
He said the prayers also sought Allah’s intervention for enduring peace among all residents, noting that development cannot thrive without harmony.