Jos Under Curfew After Deadly Attack Near University

JOS, NIGERIA – Authorities in Plateau State have imposed a 48-hour curfew across the Jos North Local Government Area following a deadly attack Sunday night that claimed numerous lives in the Angwan Rukuba community, an area home to many students and staff of the University of Jos. The unprovoked assault, which occurred around 8:00 PM, has led to immediate and far-reaching disruptions, including the postponement of examinations at the prominent federal university as security forces work to restore order and track the perpetrators.

The serene evening in the Gari Ya Waye area of Angwan Rukuba was shattered by a sudden and brutal assault carried out by unidentified gunmen. Eyewitnesses recounted a terrifying scene where attackers, some reportedly disguised as customers at a local beer parlour, suddenly opened fire indiscriminately on residents. The ensuing chaos saw people running in all directions amidst intense gunfire, with victims caught unaware in the sudden surge of violence. While initial reports from residents suggested a death toll of at least 20, the Plateau State Police Command later confirmed 14 fatalities, comprising ten men and two women, with two additional bodies discovered during subsequent search operations. Many others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention. A senior lecturer at the University of Jos, Leman Francis, who resides near the scene, corroborated accounts of the unprovoked shooting, noting that the assailants arrived in a vehicle and fled through a pathway leading to a hilly area.

In response to the escalating tension and to prevent further loss of life, the Plateau State Government immediately declared a 48-hour curfew on the Jos North Local Government Area. The measure took effect from midnight on Sunday, March 29, and is slated to continue until April 1, 2026. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, stated that the curfew was necessary to contain the situation and enable security agencies to apprehend those responsible for the "barbaric and unprovoked attack on innocent citizens." During this period, movement within the affected areas is strictly restricted, with exceptions only for essential services, underscoring the severity of the security situation. Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the killings and assured residents that security operatives have been deployed to restore order and protect lives and property, urging vigilance and cooperation with authorities.

The violence has significantly impacted academic life in the state capital, particularly at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), a major institution in the region. The university management, recognizing the immediate threat to its community, promptly announced the postponement of all examinations scheduled for Monday, March 30, and Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Emmanuel Madugu, the Deputy Registrar for Information and Public Relations, issued a critical security advisory urging all staff and students to remain vigilant, exercise extreme caution in their movements, and avoid venturing out early in the morning. The university management also emphasized its active liaison with relevant security agencies to monitor developments and ensure the safety of its community members, providing a dedicated helpline for reporting any suspicious activities or breaches of peace.

The recent attack adds to a troubling pattern of insecurity in Plateau State, a region often referred to as Nigeria's Middle Belt, which has been a flashpoint for long-running ethno-religious conflicts. Historically, disputes over land, grazing rights, and resources have fueled tensions between predominantly Muslim Fulani herders and largely Christian farming communities. Beyond these communal clashes, criminal gangs also operate in the area, further exacerbating the security challenges. Plateau State witnessed significant violence in December 2023, with a series of armed attacks in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas resulting in approximately 200 deaths and hundreds injured. These incidents, believed to be carried out by Fulani militias, prompted strong condemnation from international bodies like Amnesty International, which has consistently highlighted the failure of Nigerian authorities to stem the tide of violence and ensure accountability. The current resurgence of attacks, including those in rural communities that affect Jos, indicates a deteriorating security landscape that has residents living under constant fear.

The imposed curfew and academic disruptions underscore the profound impact of the pervasive insecurity on daily life in Jos. Residents, accustomed to periods of calm interspersed with outbreaks of violence, face economic hardship and psychological strain. The University of Jos, a beacon of learning, now grapples with the responsibility of ensuring student and staff safety while trying to maintain academic continuity. As investigations into the latest attack continue, the immediate focus remains on de-escalating tensions and bringing the perpetrators to justice. However, without addressing the underlying causes of conflict—including land disputes, resource scarcity, and the proliferation of armed groups—the cycle of violence in Plateau State is likely to persist, challenging efforts to establish lasting peace and stability in the volatile region.