The Plateau State Government has imposed a 48-hour curfew in parts of Jos following a deadly attack that claimed 26 lives and left nine others injured in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area.
The curfew, announced to prevent further escalation of violence, came after gunmen launched a coordinated assault on the community on Sunday night. According to security sources, about 20 attackers riding motorcycles stormed the area around 8:30 p.m., opening fire indiscriminately on residents for nearly 30 minutes before fleeing.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah, confirmed the incident, assuring that security operatives have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos and panic, with residents scrambling for safety as gunshots rang out. Many of the victims were reportedly killed at a bar near a junction in the community.
Tension heightened on Monday morning when angry youths displayed corpses of victims at Angwan Rukuba junction ahead of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s visit, demanding urgent action.
Addressing residents, Governor Mutfwang condemned the killings and assured that those responsible would be brought to justice. He also rejected plans for mass burial, promising that victims would be given dignified burials while the government supports affected families and covers medical bills of the injured.
“We will not allow enemies of peace to destabilise Plateau. Security agencies are already on the trail of the attackers,” the governor said.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from key groups and institutions. The Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN) described the killings as barbaric and warned that continued violence could push communities to defend themselves.
Similarly, the University of Jos suspended examinations and issued a security advisory to staff and students, citing concerns over safety in the affected area.
Religious bodies, including the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, also condemned the attack, describing it as senseless and a threat to national unity.
CAN President, Daniel Okoh, lamented that the violence occurred on Palm Sunday, a day symbolising peace, urging security agencies to act swiftly and restore public confidence.
Both organisations called for justice for the victims and urged citizens to remain calm while cooperating with security agencies.
As security presence intensifies in Jos, residents have been advised to stay indoors and remain vigilant while authorities work to restore order and prevent further bloodshed.
