Nigeria: Curfew in Jos area after attack near university

Following a violent assault near the University of Jos, the Plateau State government has implemented a 48-hour curfew in the Angwan Rukuba district of Jos North Local Government Area. The order, effective until Tuesday, comes amid reports of a “tragic security incident” that claimed multiple lives and injured others. The attack, which occurred overnight, targeted a bar, with local sources indicating at least 30 fatalities.

Government Response and Public Urging

“The government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang strongly condemns this barbaric and unprovoked attack on innocent citizens and assures the public that all necessary measures are being taken to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” the state administration stated. It urged citizens to “remain calm, stay vigilant, and cooperate fully with security agencies.”

Governor Mutfwang visited the affected community, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life. “I stood with grieving families, listened to their pain, and shared in their loss,” he wrote online. “No words can truly capture the depth of sorrow in moments like this, but I want every affected family to know you are not alone.” The perpetrators remain unidentified, with investigations ongoing.

Religious Tensions and Criminal Activities

The conflict in Plateau State has long been fueled by disputes between Muslim Fulani herders and Christian farmers, though the role of religion in the violence is debated. Factors such as land competition and climate change are also cited as underlying causes. Meanwhile, criminal gangs, known locally as “bandits,” have intensified their activities, often looting villages and kidnapping residents for ransom.

Residents in the Angwan Rukuba district described how gunmen arrived in the Gari Ya Waye community, linked to the University of Jos, and opened fire without warning. Retaliatory mob attacks were reported afterward, escalating the unrest. In response, the university suspended examinations for two days.

US Involvement and Security Challenges

Earlier this year, the US designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern,” accusing authorities of failing to protect Christians from targeted attacks. The Nigerian government has contested this claim, emphasizing the complexity of the conflict. Despite efforts to strengthen security in the north, tensions persist. Last month, the US deployed 200 troops to provide training to Nigerian soldiers combating jihadist groups.

AFP also highlighted a separate incident in Kaduna state, where a mass shooting during a pre-wedding ceremony killed 13 people and injured several others. The attack, which occurred on the previous night, was described in a UN security report as a bandit strike that left “multiple wedding guests” wounded and some abducted. Security officials noted they were still gathering details about the event.