Jos, Plateau State – March 31, 2026 – Gunmen carried out a deadly assault on the Gari Ya Waye community in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, on the evening of Sunday, March 29, 2026. The attackers opened fire indiscriminately at residents, including at an open-air bar, sparking chaos and subsequent revenge violence in the area.
Eyewitnesses and local officials reported that the gunmen arrived in large numbers, shooting at people without restraint. The community, which has close ties to the University of Jos, was thrown into panic as gunfire rang out around 7:50 p.m. Some accounts described threats circulating on social media before the incident.
Death toll estimates vary slightly due to the inclusion of both initial victims and those killed in retaliatory clashes. Police and residents have confirmed at least 26 people killed, with other reports citing up to 28-30 deaths and several others injured and receiving treatment in hospitals.
In response, the Plateau State Government imposed a 48-hour curfew across Jos North Local Government Area. The restriction, announced by Commissioner for Information and Communication Joyce Lohya Ramnap (also referred to as Joyce Ramnap), took effect at midnight on March 29, 2026, and is set to last until April 1, 2026. Security agencies have intensified operations to restore order and prevent further escalation.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang strongly condemned the attack as “barbaric and unprovoked.” He visited the affected community, addressed grieving residents (including from an armoured vehicle amid protests), and directed security forces to conduct a thorough investigation while assuring that perpetrators would be brought to justice. The governor described the incident as a tragedy affecting the entire state and appealed for calm, stating that the pain is shared by all.
The University of Jos suspended examinations scheduled for the immediate days following the attack due to security concerns in the nearby area.
The violence has drawn widespread condemnation from across Nigeria. Political leaders, including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, issued statements calling for urgent and decisive action to address the recurring insecurity. Religious leaders have also expressed horror at the loss of innocent lives.
Plateau State in Nigeria’s Middle Belt continues to face persistent challenges from farmer-herder conflicts, ethnic tensions, and armed violence. This latest incident highlights the ongoing security issues in the region.
As investigations proceed under the curfew, authorities are urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with security forces. ECCVN will continue to monitor verified developments from official and credible sources. Our condolences go to the families of the victims and the affected communities in Plateau State.
