JOS, NIGERIA — The Plateau State Government has imposed a 48-hour curfew on Jos North Local Government Area following a deadly attack that left several residents dead and many others injured, heightening tension across parts of the state capital.
The curfew was announced after a late-night assault on Sunday in the Gari Ya Waye community of Angwan Rukuba, an area within Jos North, where gunmen reportedly carried out a coordinated attack that triggered panic and mass displacement among residents.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the violence erupted suddenly, with many residents forced to flee their homes in search of safety as gunshots rang out across the neighborhood. The incident quickly sent shockwaves through nearby communities, raising fears of further unrest.
By early Monday morning, security concerns had intensified, prompting swift intervention by the state government aimed at preventing escalation and restoring order.
In an official statement, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric and unprovoked.”
“This is a barbaric and unprovoked attack on innocent citizens,” she said, adding that the government would not tolerate acts of violence against law-abiding residents of the state.
Authorities confirmed that the curfew took effect from midnight on Sunday and will remain in force until April 1, 2026. During this period, movement within Jos North is strictly restricted, with only essential services permitted to operate under tight security monitoring.
Security agencies have since intensified operations across the affected area, with personnel deployed to key flashpoints in a bid to stabilize the situation and track down those responsible for the attack.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang assured residents that the government is taking decisive steps to ensure safety and prevent further violence. He stated that security forces have been strategically positioned in vulnerable areas and are working around the clock to maintain peace.
“We are fully on top of the situation,” the governor said, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.
He also called on members of the public to support ongoing investigations by providing credible information that could assist authorities in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators.
The imposition of the curfew has had an immediate impact on daily life in Jos North. Commercial activities have come to a halt in several areas, with markets and shops closed as residents remain indoors. Transportation has also been significantly reduced, with movement limited to emergency and essential services.
The security situation has also disrupted academic activities at the University of Jos, one of the city’s major institutions. The university announced the postponement of examinations originally scheduled for Monday, March 30, and Tuesday, March 31, citing safety concerns.
In a statement issued by Deputy Registrar Emmanuel Madugu on behalf of the Registrar, members of the university community were advised to exercise caution and prioritize their safety.
Students and staff were urged to avoid unnecessary movement, particularly during early morning hours, and to promptly report any suspicious activity to the University Security Division.
University authorities confirmed that they are closely monitoring developments and maintaining active collaboration with security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property both on campus and in surrounding communities.
The latest attack underscores ongoing security challenges in parts of Plateau State, where periodic outbreaks of violence have continued to pose threats to peace and stability. While the exact motive behind Sunday night’s assault has not yet been officially confirmed, investigations are ongoing.
Residents in affected areas remain on edge, with many expressing concern over their safety despite the increased presence of security forces. Community leaders have also begun appealing for calm and urging residents not to take the law into their own hands.
Government officials have reiterated their commitment to restoring normalcy as quickly as possible, emphasizing that the curfew is a temporary but necessary measure to contain the situation and prevent further loss of life.
As security operations continue, authorities say the priority remains the protection of civilians, the restoration of order, and the swift apprehension of those behind the attack.
For now, Plateau State residents—particularly those in Jos North—are being urged to remain indoors, comply fully with the curfew directives, and cooperate with security agencies as efforts intensify to bring the situation under control.
