Tragedy struck Gari Ya Waye community in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, as gunmen launched a deadly attack that left an unconfirmed number of persons dead and scores injured.
The attack, which occurred on Sunday evening, has thrown the area and the wider Jos metropolis into panic and heightened tension among residents.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the assailants stormed the community on motorcycles, riding along the main road while shooting sporadically at unsuspecting residents. Victims were reportedly left in pools of blood, while those who sustained injuries were rushed to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment.
One eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, lamented the delayed response of security operatives, noting that there was no visible presence of security personnel for nearly an hour during the attack.
In response to the incident, the Plateau State Government swiftly imposed a curfew in a bid to forestall further breakdown of law and order. The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap.
According to the statement, a 48-hour curfew has been enforced across Jos North Local Government Area, effective from midnight of March 29 through April 1, 2026.
“The Plateau State Government, in conjunction with security agencies, wishes to inform the general public of the imposition of a 48-hour curfew… following the tragic security incident that resulted in loss of lives and injuries,” the statement read.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang strongly condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and unprovoked. He assured residents that security agencies have been mobilized to track down those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.
The government also called on citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with law enforcement authorities by providing any useful information that could aid ongoing investigations.
As of the time of filing this report, security presence has been reinforced in the affected areas, while investigations into the attack continue.