Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Heightened tension erupted again in Jos, Plateau State, after authorities partially eased a 48‑hour curfew imposed in response to a deadly armed assault in the Angwan Rukuba neighbourhood. The earlier curfew, intended to restore calm after one of the most violent attacks in recent months, was scaled back to allow limited movement. But the decision coincided with renewed unrest across the state capital, including the brutal killing of a young man by a frenzied mob and widespread fear among residents and business owners.
The events stem from a nighttime attack on Sunday, March 29, 2026, when assailants on motorcycles opened fire in the Gari Ya Waye community of Angwan Rukuba, a densely populated area in Jos North Local Government Area. Residents described how gunmen mingled with patrons at a local beer parlour before suddenly launching the assault, firing indiscriminately and causing panic. The attack left dozens dead and scores injured, with some victims taken to several hospitals in the city for treatment.
Official figures on casualties have varied, reflecting chaotic conditions and differing accounts from authorities and community members. The Plateau State Police Command initially acknowledged the deaths of at least 14 people, including men and women shot during the attack. Local community leaders, however, put the number of fatalities significantly higher, with more than 30 bodies reportedly recovered after further searches and ensuing deaths among the critically injured.
In response, Governor Caleb Mutfwang swiftly imposed a 48‑hour curfew across Jos North in a bid to prevent reprisals and further violence. The restriction on movement was accompanied by an intensified security presence involving military and police units tasked with tracking down the perpetrators and maintaining order. The governor publicly condemned the attack as barbaric and unprovoked and pledged that those responsible would be brought to justice.
By Tuesday evening, authorities reported what they described as relative calm in the affected area and announced that the curfew would be partially relaxed. Under the adjusted directive, residents were allowed to move between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily from April 1, 2026, to enable them to carry out essential activities such as attending markets, attending to work, and accessing food supplies. Government officials emphasised that security operatives would continue patrols and surveillance to ensure sustained peace.
But the relaxation of restrictions did not bring the anticipated restoration of calm. Within hours, reports emerged of groups described as hoodlums and irate mobs launching attacks on motorists, passers‑by, and shops in several parts of Jos metropolis. In one harrowing incident, a young man walking along the road leading to the University of Jos Permanent Site was hacked to death by assailants amid the chaos. Witnesses cited fear and confusion as streets became unsafe and business activities ground to a halt.
Other areas reported to be affected by the renewed violence included Terminus, Bauchi Road, Gangere, Farin Gada, Tina Junction and Chobe, where motorists had their windshields smashed and pedestrians chased from the streets. Traders and shop owners said they were too frightened to open their businesses, forcing many establishments, including banks, to shut down operations for safety reasons.
The unrest has heightened anxiety among residents who hoped the partial lifting of the curfew would mark a return to normal life. A provision store owner at Terminus Market said the unpredictable attacks had left business owners feeling helpless and uncertain about the future. Meanwhile, the University of Jos Alumni Association expressed grave concerns for students’ safety, urging government and security agencies to deploy enhanced patrols, intelligence‑led monitoring and rapid response units around campuses and residential areas.
Beyond the immediate violence, the initial assault in Angwan Rukuba has sparked broader calls for a more robust security response. Civil society groups and legal associations have condemned the killings as part of persistent violence affecting multiple local government areas of Plateau State, including Wase, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Jos South and Bassa, and have called for prompt investigations and accountability for both the attackers and any delays in security responses.
Governor Mutfwang and state officials have also taken steps to strengthen preventive measures. In a public broadcast, the governor reaffirmed a ban on commercial motorcycle operations within Jos metropolis, a move intended to limit the mobility of potential attackers and make it easier for security forces to monitor movements. He appealed to the public to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative with law enforcement efforts as authorities work to apprehend those responsible and safeguard lives and property.
The violence in Jos reflects complex and long‑standing challenges in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria, where disputes over land, resources, ethnic identity and historical grievances have contributed to recurring patterns of conflict. While official statements so far have not conclusively linked the Angwan Rukuba attack to specific militant organisations or articulated a clear motive, the heavy toll and fear it has generated underscore deep concerns about public safety in Plateau State and neighbouring areas.
As the situation continues to evolve, residents and civil society leaders are urging collaborative efforts involving government, security agencies, community leaders and stakeholders to address immediate threats and work toward longer‑term peace. Many argue that building trust between communities and security forces, ensuring consistent intelligence gathering, and investing in local conflict‑resolution mechanisms are essential to preventing future flare‑ups of violence and restoring confidence among citizens traumatized by recent events.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments