The Plateau State Government has imposed a 48-hour curfew on Jos North Local Government Area following a deadly attack in the Angwan Rukuba community.
In a statement on Sunday, the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, said the curfew would take effect from midnight on March 29 to April 1, 2026.
The government said the measure followed what it described as a tragic security incident in the Angwan Rukuba area that resulted in loss of lives and left several others injured.
“Following the tragic security incident that occurred at Gari Ya Waye community, Angwan Rukuba, today, Sunday, 29th March 2026, resulting in the loss of lives while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” the statement read.
“The Plateau State Government, in conjunction with security agencies, wishes to inform the general public of the imposition of a 48-hour curfew within Jos North Local Government Area with immediate effect.”
Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and unprovoked, and assured residents that security agencies were working to apprehend those responsible.
Residents told reporters that gunmen riding motorcycles stormed the community on Sunday evening and opened fire on passersby.
A resident, John Caleb, said the attackers struck suddenly, leaving several victims behind.
“We have been badly hit in Angwa by unknown gunmen. So far, six people have been confirmed dead, and several other casualties are at the Luna Hospital by New Road. It’s very unfortunate,” he said.
Another resident, Janet Pam, described the incident as shocking and unusual. She said she initially ignored the sound of gunfire before realising that people were being attacked.
“I was in my house at Angwa Rukuba when I heard the first gunshot. At first, I ignored the sound, but when I heard it the second time, I came outside only to find out that it was gunmen on bikes shooting at people,” she said.
According to her, the attackers targeted pedestrians and traders along the roadside. One of the victims was reportedly a neighbour returning from an evening church service.
“So far, we have counted six persons who were killed during the incident. I have never seen anything like this before. This is pure terrorism,” Pam added.
She said the attackers fled the area on motorcycles before security operatives arrived, leaving residents in panic.
Following the attack, some youths in the community reportedly blocked nearby roads in protest but were later dispersed by security personnel. Residents also called on authorities to strictly enforce the ban on commercial motorcycles in the Jos and Bukuru metropolis.
Plateau State has experienced a resurgence of violent attacks in recent months, particularly in rural communities and parts of Jos North.
The latest incident comes weeks after at least 20 security operatives and vigilantes were reportedly killed in an ambush by gunmen in Kanam Local Government Area.
Communities across Plateau and neighbouring states have faced repeated attacks, kidnappings and cattle rustling in recent years, with residents frequently calling for stronger security presence.
In 2025, coordinated attacks across several communities, including Bokkos and Barkin Ladi, left more than 100 people dead and displaced thousands of residents.
Similarly, Christmas Eve attacks in 2023 across Plateau communities killed more than 140 villagers, drawing national and international condemnation.
