…Residents protest
The Plateau State government has imposed a 48-hour curfew on Jos-North local government area following a deadly attack on the Angwan Rukuba community which left at least 12 people dead, sparking protests by angry residents.
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed that gunmen carried out the attack on Sunday evening, killing 10 men and two women. Police spokesman, Alabo Alfred, said the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on March 29, when security operatives received a distress call reporting gunshots in the area.
According to the Police, the Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, immediately led a joint team of officers and other security agencies to the scene to restore calm and prevent further violence. During follow-up operations, two additional bodies were discovered in nearby bushes as security personnel searched for the attackers. “The Command is currently carrying out joint operations to ensure that the suspects are arrested or dislodged in accordance with the law. The victims’ bodies have been deposited in a mortuary for autopsy, while investigations continue”, the statement said.
Ewah commiserated with the families of the victims and assured residents that efforts were underway to bring those responsible to justice. He also confirmed that additional security personnel and operational assets had been deployed to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
In response, the state government imposed a 48-hour curfew across Jos-North, effective from midnight of March 29 to April 1, 2026. The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, said the decision was taken in conjunction with security agencies following the “tragic security incident” that resulted in multiple deaths and injuries.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric and unprovoked”, and reassured residents that the perpetrators would be apprehended.
Despite the curfew, hundreds of residents yesterday morning flooded the streets of Angwan Rukuba in protest, demanding urgent government action over recurring killings in the area. Videos circulating on social media showed demonstrators chanting and expressing frustration over what they described as the government’s inability to prevent repeated attacks.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers, some reportedly dressed in military uniforms, arrived on motorcycles and opened fire indiscriminately on passersby and traders in what was described as a busy area. The assault was said to have occurred during a power outage, forcing many residents to flee for safety.
The protest was later disrupted by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, who moved in to disperse the crowd. Witnesses said officers chased protesters and prepared to deploy tear gas, causing many to flee.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage both within the state and on social media, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the resurgence of violence in Plateau.
Residents have continued to call for stronger and more proactive security measures to curb the persistent violence in the region.
