12 feared killed in Jos night attack, authorities enforce 48-hour lockdown

No fewer than 12 residents have been confirmed dead following a late-night attack on Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident, which occurred around 8 p.m. on Sunday, reportedly took place at a popular bar in the community, where residents had gathered when unidentified armed men stormed the area and opened sporadic gunfire.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers, suspected to be cultists, shot indiscriminately, causing panic as people fled for safety. At least 12 persons were confirmed killed, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The injured victims were evacuated to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment.

In response to the attack, the Plateau State Government announced a 48-hour curfew in Jos North with immediate effect.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the government described the incident as a “tragic security incident” and outlined measures to restore calm.

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“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, commencing from 12 midnight of 29th March, to 1st April, 2026,” the statement read.

The government, under the leadership of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, strongly condemned what it described as a barbaric and unprovoked attack on innocent citizens.

It assured residents that security agencies had been directed to take all necessary steps to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

Citizens were urged to remain calm, stay vigilant, and cooperate fully with security operatives by providing useful information that could aid ongoing investigations.

Meanwhile, troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace, have been mobilised to the affected community to prevent further escalation of violence.

Security sources disclosed that soldiers have cordoned off major access routes leading into Angwan Rukuba and ordered residents to remain indoors as a coordinated search operation commenced to track down the attackers.

The latest incident adds to growing security concerns in parts of Jos and surrounding communities, raising fresh fears among residents as authorities intensify efforts to restore order.