By Ayo Kehinde
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, as authorities move swiftly to restore calm and prevent further escalation of violence in the area.
Youth leaders in the area confirmed the casualty figure, stating that at least 28 bodies were recovered from the scene and nearby hospitals, while several injured victims are currently receiving treatment.
Eyewitnesses and community leaders said the attackers operated in a coordinated manner, unleashing heavy gunfire that forced residents to flee. Security operatives, including personnel of the Nigerian Army, were later deployed to restore order and secure the area.
The Zonal Coordinator of the Plateau Youth Council, Samson Chiroma, described the incident as “well-coordinated and devastating,” alleging that prior threats were circulated on social media before the attack.
He called on authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring perpetrators to justice.
Also reacting, the Jos North Chairman of the Plateau Youth Council, Ambassador Paul Mancha, condemned the attack, describing it as deliberate and carefully executed. He urged security agencies to act decisively while commending youth leaders for their efforts to prevent reprisals.
Similarly, Chairman of the Coalition of Youth Leaders for Good Governance, Phillip Nanbut Bako, described the killings as tragic and unacceptable, warning that continued attacks without accountability could heighten tensions in the
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Joyce Ramnap, announced the development in a statement on Sunday night, stating that the curfew became necessary after gunmen attacked the community on Sunday night, leaving some residents dead and others injured.
According to her, the decision was taken in collaboration with security agencies as part of urgent measures to stabilise the affected area and protect lives and property.
“The Plateau Government in conjunction with security agencies has imposed a 48-hour curfew within Jos North LGA. The curfew will run from midnight on Sunday, March 29 to Wednesday, April 1,” she said.
Mrs. Ramnap condemned the unprovoked attack on innocent citizens, describing it as unfortunate, while urging residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperative with security operatives.
She assured that the government, in partnership with security agencies, had intensified efforts to forestall a recurrence and ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.
In a related development, the University of Jos has rescheduled its ongoing examinations following the security situation in the area.
The Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations of the institution, Mr Emmanuel Madugu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, noting that the decision was taken to ensure the safety of students and staff.
He explained that all examinations earlier scheduled for Monday and Tuesday have been postponed in view of the tension generated by the Sunday night attack on Angwan Rukuba and the broader security concerns in Jos North.
Madugu added that academic activities and hostel operations had also been adjusted as part of precautionary measures.
“The Vice Chancellor has directed that all examinations scheduled to be held on Monday and Tuesday will be rescheduled,” he said.
He urged students and staff to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary movements, and promptly report any security concerns to the university security unit via its emergency contact line.
Security presence has since been intensified across affected communities as authorities work to restore normalcy and reassure residents
The Plateau State Government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging citizens to remain calm and support ongoing security operations aimed at restoring peace in Jos North.
