Plateau imposes 48-Hour curfew in Jos after deadly Angwan Rukuba attack leaves multiple residents dead
Jos North under curfew after deadly Angwan Rukuba attack in Plateau State
The Plateau State Government has imposed a 48-hour curfew on Jos North Local Government Area following a deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba, a development that has once again pushed Jos security concerns to the forefront of Nigeria’s national conversation ahead of the new week.
The emergency restriction came after gunmen attacked residents in the Gari Ya Waye community of Angwan Rukuba late Sunday, leaving multiple people dead and several others injured. While THISDAY reported that “several residents” were killed, TheCable said at least 12 people were confirmed dead, with others sustaining injuries and receiving treatment at nearby medical facilities. The attack occurred around 8 p.m. on Sunday, according to TheCable, at a popular bar in the community.
The incident has heightened tension across Jos, particularly in Jos North, where authorities say the curfew is aimed at preventing further breakdown of law and order while security agencies pursue those responsible. For residents and observers alike, the latest violence is another grim reminder of the fragile security situation in parts of Plateau State.
Plateau Government Imposes 48-Hour Curfew in Jos North
In an official response, the Plateau State Government announced that the 48-hour curfew took effect from 12 midnight on March 29 and will remain in force until April 1, 2026. The directive applies specifically to Jos North LGA, the epicentre of the latest attack. Government spokesperson and Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, described the incident as a “tragic security incident” and condemned what the state called a “barbaric and unprovoked attack on innocent citizens.”
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang also assured the public that security operatives had been deployed to restore calm, protect lives and property, and assist with efforts to apprehend the attackers. Residents were urged to remain calm, stay indoors where necessary, and provide useful information to investigators.
The curfew is one of the most immediate and visible signs of the seriousness with which authorities are treating the latest attack.
What Happened in Angwan Rukuba?
The violence reportedly unfolded late Sunday in Angwan Rukuba, a community within Jos North LGA. According to THISDAY, the attack struck the Gari Ya Waye area, leaving several people dead and many injured. TheCable added more detail, reporting that the shooting occurred at a popular bar around 8 p.m., where victims came under sporadic gunfire from unidentified armed men suspected to be cultists.
At least 12 residents were confirmed dead, according to TheCable, though official casualty updates may evolve as authorities continue investigations. Injured victims were evacuated to nearby hospitals, and the area was quickly thrown into panic as security agencies moved in.
The state government has not yet publicly released the identities of the attackers, and no group has claimed responsibility as of the latest reports.
Troops Deployed as Security Forces Launch Search Operation
Following the attack, security agencies moved swiftly to contain the fallout.
TheCable reported that troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace, were mobilised to the scene to prevent further escalation. The troops reportedly cordoned off major access routes to the affected community and ordered residents to remain indoors while a coordinated search operation was launched to track down the attackers.
This deployment is critical because it suggests the authorities are treating the incident not just as a local disturbance, but as a potentially broader security threat capable of triggering reprisals or spreading panic in nearby neighbourhoods.
In a city like Jos, where past outbreaks of violence have often had ripple effects, rapid containment is central to restoring confidence.
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University of Jos Postpones Examinations Over Security Fears
One of the most immediate consequences of the attack was felt at the University of Jos, where academic activities were disrupted.
According to THISDAY, the university postponed all examinations scheduled for Monday, March 30, and Tuesday, March 31, citing the security situation and the presence of many students and staff in the affected area. Deputy Registrar Emmanuel Madugu, speaking on behalf of the Registrar, advised members of the university community to exercise extreme caution, avoid early-morning movement, and report suspicious activity to the institution’s security division.
University management also said it was working closely with security agencies to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of students and staff. The exam postponement underlines how the attack has moved beyond a single neighbourhood incident and is now affecting broader civic and institutional life in Jos.
Why the Jos Attack Matters Beyond Plateau
The latest attack in Jos North is significant not only because of the loss of life, but because it adds to the ongoing national concern over recurring violence in parts of Plateau State.
Both reports point to wider security anxiety in the state, which has faced repeated cycles of deadly attacks over the years. While the precise motive behind the latest incident remains under investigation, the immediate response, curfew, troop deployment, and institutional disruption, signals that authorities fear escalation if the situation is not quickly contained.
For political leaders, security agencies, and residents, the next 48 hours will be crucial. Much will depend on whether suspects are identified, whether the curfew effectively stabilises the area, and whether residents regain enough confidence to resume normal activities without fear.
What Residents Should Watch Next
As the situation develops, the key things to monitor include:
- Whether the casualty figure rises beyond the 12 reported by TheCable
- Any official update from Plateau State Government or security agencies
- Whether the 48-hour curfew is extended beyond April 1
- The University of Jos’ next advisory on rescheduled examinations
- Possible arrests or identification of the attackers
- Whether other parts of Jos remain calm during the curfew period
For now, Jos remains on edge, and the government’s emergency measures reflect the urgency of preventing a wider security breakdown.
FAQ
1. Why is there a curfew in Jos today?
A 48-hour curfew was imposed in Jos North Local Government Area after a deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba left several residents dead and many others injured. Plateau State said the curfew is to prevent further breakdown of law and order and help security agencies track the attackers.
2. What happened in Jos on Sunday night?
Gunmen attacked residents in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North LGA late Sunday night. THISDAY reported the attack hit the Gari Ya Waye community, while TheCable said it happened around 8 p.m. at a popular bar, where victims came under sporadic gunfire.
3. How many people were killed in the Jos attack?
TheCable reported that at least 12 residents were confirmed dead, while THISDAY said several people were killed and many injured. The official casualty figure may change as investigations continue.
4. Where exactly did the attack happen in Jos?
The attack happened in the Gari Ya Waye community of Angwan Rukuba, located in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
5. Who carried out the attack in Jos?
As of the latest reports, the attackers were described as unidentified armed men. TheCable said they were suspected cultists, but authorities have not yet publicly confirmed the identities of those responsible.
6. How long will the Jos North curfew last?
The Plateau State Government said the 48-hour curfew began at 12 midnight on March 29, 2026, and is expected to remain in place until April 1, 2026, unless authorities decide otherwise.
7. Is the curfew for all of Jos or only Jos North?
The current emergency restriction applies specifically to Jos North Local Government Area, not the entirety of Jos metropolis, based on the official statement cited by both reports.
8. Why did the University of Jos postpone exams?
The University of Jos postponed examinations scheduled for Monday, March 30, and Tuesday, March 31, due to the security situation and because many staff and students live in or around the affected area.
9. Has the Plateau State Government reacted officially?
Yes. The government, through Information Commissioner Joyce Lohya Ramnap, condemned the attack as a “barbaric and unprovoked attack on innocent citizens” and announced the curfew. Governor Caleb Mutfwang also said security operatives had been deployed to restore calm.
10. Were security forces deployed after the Jos attack?
Yes. TheCable reported that troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace, were mobilised to the area, cordoned off major access routes, and launched a coordinated search operation to find the attackers.
11. Is Jos safe right now?
Authorities say security personnel have been deployed and a curfew is in place to stabilise the area. However, residents are being urged to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary movement, and cooperate with security agencies while investigations continue.
12. Will the curfew in Jos be extended?
There is no official confirmation yet that the curfew will be extended beyond April 1, 2026. Any extension will likely depend on the security assessment and whether authorities believe the threat has been contained.