Plateau Imposes 48-Hour Curfew After Deadly Palm Sunday Attack in Jos

Reported by Enock Damidami, Social Media Manager | Journalist at Sele Media Africa

Deadly Attack Rocks Jos Community
The Plateau State Government has imposed a 48-hour curfew across Jos North Local Government Area following a deadly attack that struck the Gari Ya Waye community in Angwan Rukuba, Jos, on Palm Sunday evening.

The attack, which occurred between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm on Sunday, left at least 20 persons confirmed dead, while several others sustained serious injuries. Witnesses in the area reported that armed men invaded the community and opened fire indiscriminately on residents, causing fear, confusion, and widespread panic.

The Palm Sunday tragedy has once again drawn national attention to the growing security challenges facing Plateau State and other parts of Nigeria, especially communities that have experienced recurring outbreaks of violence.
Eyewitness Accounts and Casualties
According to residents, the gunmen stormed the area suddenly, catching many people off guard as families were returning from evening church services and Palm Sunday activities.
Some residents said they heard repeated gunshots before people began running for safety. Shops were hurriedly shut, while many residents fled into nearby streets and homes to escape the violence.
Several injured victims were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, while local volunteers and emergency responders worked through the night to evacuate survivors and recover bodies.

Families of victims have been thrown into mourning as the community grapples with the scale of the loss. Many residents described the incident as one of the most disturbing attacks witnessed in the area in recent months.
Government Responds with Immediate Curfew
In response to the attack, the Plateau State Government announced a 48-hour curfew in Jos North Local Government Area, effective from midnight on March 29 to April 1, 2026.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang strongly condemned the killings, describing the attack as barbaric, senseless, and unacceptable.
The governor assured residents that security agencies had been directed to track down those responsible and ensure they face justice.
According to the government, the curfew is aimed at restoring calm, preventing retaliatory violence, and giving security operatives room to conduct investigations and maintain law and order.
The state government also appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could further heighten tension across the state.

Security Agencies Intensify Operations
Following the incident, security personnel were deployed across major areas in Jos North, especially around Angwan Rukuba and surrounding communities.
Military patrol teams, police units, and other security agencies have reportedly increased surveillance and stop-and-search operations.
Roadblocks were mounted in strategic locations, while security operatives intensified night patrols to ensure compliance with the curfew order.
Residents were urged to remain indoors during the curfew period and cooperate fully with law enforcement officers.

Authorities also appealed to the public to provide credible information that could help identify the attackers and prevent future incidents.
Impact on Residents and Businesses
The curfew has significantly affected movement and commercial activities within the affected area.
Markets, roadside shops, transport operators, and small businesses in Jos North have been forced to suspend operations temporarily.
Many residents expressed concern over the economic impact of the restriction, particularly for traders and daily wage earners who rely on daily movement for income.

Schools and religious gatherings within the curfew zone are also expected to remain suspended until normalcy is restored.
Renewed Concerns Over Plateau Violence
This latest attack has renewed concerns about the recurring violence in Plateau State.
Over the years, Jos and surrounding communities have experienced repeated clashes and attacks, leading to loss of lives and destruction of property.
Security analysts believe the incident highlights the urgent need for stronger intelligence gathering, faster emergency response, and long-term peacebuilding efforts.

Community leaders have also called for stronger collaboration between residents and security agencies.
Calls for Justice and Lasting Peace
As investigations continue, residents are demanding justice for the victims and stronger protection from future attacks.
Religious leaders, youth groups, and civil society organizations have also called for peace and restraint to avoid reprisals.
The state government has reassured the public that every effort is being made to bring the perpetrators to book.

For now, the people of Jos remain in mourning, while the nation watches closely as authorities respond to one of the most disturbing incidents recorded in recent days.