The Plateau State Government has declared a curfew in a swift response to a violent attack that rocked the Jos North area of the State on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026.
The deadly Jos North attack which occurred a week before the celebration of Easter has reportedly left several residents dead and many others injured.
The restriction, which began at midnight on Sunday, March 29, 2026, is set to remain in place until April 1, 2026.
In a statement, the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, said the decision followed a “tragic security incident” in the area, which resulted in loss of lives and left several others injured.
The statement read, “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 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.”
According to the statement, Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric and unprovoked,” and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend those responsible.
The development comes as terrorists stormed the Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State on motorcycles on Sunday evening, shooting at passersby.
A resident, John Caleb, said, “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 on New Road. It’s very unfortunate.”
Another resident, Janet Pam, who described the attack as strange, said she initially ignored the sound of gunshots before realising that gunmen were shooting at people.
She said, “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.
“They targeted those moving on the road and those selling by the roadside. Among those shot dead was my neighbour, who was returning from the 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 that the attackers fled the scene on motorcycles before security operatives arrived.
She said the incident had caused panic in the community, with residents calling on the government to enforce the ban on commercial motorcycles in Jos and Bukuru metropolis.
The Plateau State Police Command on Monday confirmed that 14 persons died in the deadly Jos North attack, which occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on March 29, 2026.
However, community leaders have disputed these numbers, claiming that no fewer than 27 persons were feared dead.
According to a statement by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, an initial 12 persons – 10 men and two women – were killed when gunmen opened fire on residents.
Alabo said two additional corpses were recovered on Monday morning as police teams combed nearby bushes and trailed the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah, personally led a team of senior officers, including members of the Command’s Management Team, PMF Squadron Commanders, DPOs, and Tactical Team Commanders, to the scene in conjunction with other security agencies to restore calm.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that this incident is a sign of the persistent security challenges facing Nigeria.
The country has been witnessing several killings and abductions from Kwara State, Niger State, Kebbi State, Borno State among others.
