The Plateau State Government has enforced a 48-hour curfew in Jos North Local Government Area following a deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba that resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries.
The restriction, which commenced at midnight on March 29 and is expected to last until April 1, 2026, was announced in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap.
According to the government, the decision followed a “tragic security incident” at Gari Ya Waye community in Angwan Rukuba on Sunday, which led to casualties and heightened tension across the area.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang strongly condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric and unprovoked,” while assuring residents that security agencies have been deployed to restore peace and apprehend those responsible.
“The Plateau State Government, in conjunction with security agencies, wishes to inform the general public of the imposition of a 48-hour curfew within Jos North Local Government Area with immediate effect,” the statement read.
Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that “all necessary measures are being taken to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they face the full wrath of the law.”
Residents were urged to remain calm and comply with the curfew, while also supporting security agencies with credible information to aid ongoing investigations.
Authorities emphasised that movement within the affected local government area would be strictly restricted throughout the curfew period, except for individuals providing essential services.
The latest incident has intensified concerns over insecurity in Jos, with residents calling for sustained interventions to prevent further violence and ensure long-term peace.
Plateau State, like several parts of the North-Central and North-West regions, has witnessed repeated attacks by non-state actors in recent times.
On March 14, suspected bandits reportedly killed 20 people and rustled cattle during an attack in a village in Jos, according to the Kanam Development Association (KADA). The group revealed that the gunmen ambushed soldiers on routine patrol.
“In the unfortunate exchange of gunfire that followed the ambush, our nation lost brave defenders who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty,” KADA stated, noting that 12 security personnel and eight local defenders lost their lives.
Following the ambush, the attackers reportedly invaded a nearby community, looting property and stealing cattle, further worsening the hardship faced by already vulnerable rural populations.
The recurring attacks and kidnappings in affected communities have continued to raise alarm, as Nigeria battles multiple security challenges, including insurgency and armed group activities across various regions.
What you should know
The imposition of a curfew in Jos North highlights the worsening security situation in Plateau State and parts of Nigeria’s North-Central region.
Repeated attacks by armed groups have led to loss of lives, displacement, and economic hardship for residents. Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s response underscores the government’s effort to restore order, but long-term peace will depend on sustained security operations and community cooperation.
The situation also reflects broader national security challenges, where overlapping threats from banditry, insurgency, and communal conflicts continue to strain security forces and local communities.
