By Amah
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Residents of Jos North Local Government Area were thrown into panic on Sunday night, following a deadly attack on the Gari Ya Waye community in Angwan Rukuba, leaving several people feared dead and many others injured.
In response to the violence, the Plateau State Government imposed a 48-hour curfew across Jos North Local Government Area. The curfew, which took effect from midnight on March 29, 2026, will remain in force until April 1, 2026, as authorities move to contain the situation and prevent further escalation.
Eyewitnesses said the attack occurred about 7:50 p.m. when heavily armed gunmen invaded the community and opened fire on residents. The sudden eruption of gunfire sent people running for safety, while others remained trapped indoors as security forces moved into the area.
Although the exact number of casualties has not been officially confirmed, multiple sources within the community reported several deaths and numerous injuries, many resulting from gunshot wounds.
The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, described the incident as a tragic security breach. She explained that the curfew was necessary to restore calm and safeguard lives and property.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang strongly condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric and unprovoked.” He assured residents that security agencies have been directed to deploy all necessary resources to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Authorities have also urged residents to remain calm, stay vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could assist ongoing investigations.
Plateau State has experienced repeated outbreaks of violence over the years, often linked to deep-rooted ethno-religious tensions, land disputes, and cycles of reprisal attacks. Communities such as Angwan Rukuba have remained particularly vulnerable, with periodic incidents disrupting lives and livelihoods.
Government-imposed curfews have become a recurring emergency response aimed at preventing further violence and maintaining public order. However, despite these interventions, concerns persist over the long-term effectiveness of security measures in addressing the root causes of the conflict.
Sunday’s attack once again highlights the fragile security situation in Plateau State and the urgent need for sustainable peacebuilding, improved intelligence gathering, and stronger community engagement.
