The Plateau State Government has imposed a 48-hour curfew on Jos North Local Government Area following a deadly attack in the Angwan Rukuba community, a development that has heightened security concerns and prompted swift intervention from authorities.
In a statement released on Sunday, the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, announced that the curfew would take effect from midnight on March 29 and remain in force until April 1, 2026. The government said the decision became necessary after what it described as a “tragic security incident” in the area, which resulted in the loss of lives and left several others injured.
According to the statement, the attack occurred at the Gari Ya Waye community in Angwan Rukuba, where unidentified assailants reportedly launched a violent assault on residents, causing panic and chaos in the area. Eyewitness accounts said the attack happened suddenly, forcing residents to flee their homes for safety as security operatives were deployed to restore calm.
The Plateau State Government expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing the loss of lives as unfortunate and avoidable. It stressed that the curfew was not meant to punish residents but to prevent further breakdown of law and order, as well as to allow security agencies carry out investigations and restore peace in the troubled area.
Government officials said security personnel, including the military, police, and other law enforcement agencies, had been deployed to strategic locations across Jos North to maintain order and ensure that no further attacks occur. Residents were advised to remain indoors throughout the duration of the curfew, as anyone found violating the directive would be arrested and prosecuted according to the law.
The government also appealed to community leaders, youth groups, and religious leaders to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies. It warned against reprisal attacks, noting that such actions would only worsen the situation and lead to more loss of innocent lives.
“This curfew is a necessary step to prevent further violence and to enable security agencies to stabilise the situation. We urge all residents to comply fully with this directive and support efforts aimed at restoring peace,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, humanitarian concerns have begun to emerge as some residents displaced by the attack are seeking temporary shelter with relatives and in nearby communities. Local authorities said arrangements were being made to provide assistance to those affected, including medical care for the injured.
Community leaders in Jos North have called for increased security presence even after the curfew is lifted, stressing that long-term solutions must be implemented to prevent recurring violence in the area. They urged the government to intensify intelligence gathering and address the root causes of insecurity in the region.
Security experts say curfews are often used as emergency measures to contain violence, but they also emphasise the need for dialogue, conflict resolution, and community engagement to ensure lasting peace.
As the curfew takes effect, residents of Jos North now face restricted movement for two days, a sacrifice many say is necessary if it will restore peace and prevent further bloodshed in Angwan Rukuba and surrounding communities.
The Plateau State Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and assured residents that every effort was being made to bring those responsible for the attack to justice. Authorities also said investigations were ongoing and that anyone with useful information should report to the nearest security agency.
For now, the streets of Jos North are expected to remain quiet under the curfew, as security forces intensify patrols and residents hope that calm will return after the tragic incident that has once again drawn attention to the fragile security situation in parts of Plateau State.
