Date: March 30, 2026 l Reporter: Musa Muhammad
Several residents have been killed after suspected Islamic Jihadist gunmen dressed in military uniforms launched a deadly attack on Christians communities in Anguwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State on Palm Sunday, triggering widespread panic and a swift government-imposed curfew.
According to reports, the attackers stormed the community on Sunday evening, opening fire indiscriminately on civilians in what eyewitnesses described as a sudden and coordinated assault. The incident occurred during a busy period as residents marked Palm Sunday, one of the most significant days in the Christian calendar.
Witnesses said the assailants, believed to be dressed in military-style uniforms, created confusion among residents before unleashing gunfire on the area. The attackers reportedly targeted people in public spaces, leaving multiple casualties and several others injured.
The attack sparked immediate tension across Jos North, with residents fleeing for safety as gunshots echoed through the neighborhood. Security operatives were later deployed to the scene in response to the violence.
In reaction, the Plateau State Government announced a 48-hour curfew across Jos North Local Government Area, effective from midnight on Sunday, in a bid to prevent further escalation and restore order. Officials said the restriction would remain in place while security agencies intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, condemned the killings, describing the incident as a “barbaric and unprovoked attack” on innocent civilians. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm, stay indoors, and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang also assured the public that security forces had been mobilized to track down the perpetrators and prevent further violence, emphasizing that protecting lives and property remains a top priority.
The latest incident adds to a series of recurring attacks in Plateau State, a region long plagued by violent clashes and insecurity. Residents have continued to express concern over the persistent nature of such attacks and the challenges in preventing them.
As investigations continue, authorities say more updates will be provided while efforts remain ongoing to restore calm in the affected community.