Gunmen Attack Plateau Community, Multiple Fatalities Feared
Several persons are feared dead after unidentified gunmen launched a deadly attack on the Anguwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday, March 29, 2026. According to local residents, the assailants, who arrived on a motorcycle, opened fire and killed an unspecified number of youths in the area, sparking immediate panic and outrage.
Angry Youths Block Roads, Government Imposes Curfew
In the aftermath of the violent incident, angry youths reportedly blocked major roads within the community, raising serious concerns about escalating tensions and potential reprisals. In response, the Plateau State Government swiftly imposed a 48-hour curfew on Jos North Local Government Area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The curfew took effect from midnight on Sunday and is scheduled to remain in force until April 1, 2026. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the government strongly condemned what it described as a "barbaric and unprovoked attack on innocent citizens." Officials emphasized that the measure is necessary to allow security agencies to track down the perpetrators and restore calm.
Governor Assures Deployment of Security, Urges Vigilance
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang assured residents that security operatives have been deployed to the affected area to restore peace and protect lives and property. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities by providing any information that could aid ongoing investigations into the attack.
University of Jos Postpones Examinations
The attack had immediate repercussions for academic activities at the University of Jos, which hosts a significant number of staff and students residing in the impacted community. In a separate advisory, the institution announced the postponement of all examinations scheduled for Monday, March 30, and Tuesday, March 31, 2026, to ensure the safety of its academic community.
Recent Context of Violence in Plateau State
This latest attack occurs just weeks after a separate incident in which no fewer than 20 security operatives and vigilantes were reportedly killed when heavily armed bandits ambushed a joint patrol team in Wanka and surrounding communities of the Garga area in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State. The recurring violence underscores ongoing security challenges in the region, prompting calls for enhanced measures to protect vulnerable communities.
