By Seyi Odewale
Hundreds of angry residents of Plateau State on Monday defied a 48-hour curfew to stage protests over the Palm Sunday attack in Anguwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, which has left at least 28 people dead and many others injured.
The demonstrators gathered early at the scene of the killings, chanting and demanding urgent action to end recurring violence in the state, insisting that curfews alone cannot address what they described as persistent security failures.
Placards and chants captured in live social media feeds reflected growing frustration over repeated attacks on communities, particularly during religious periods, with many accusing authorities of failing to guarantee the safety of citizens.
“The curfew is not enough. Our people are being killed and nothing changes,” one protester said.
Another resident, Nyam Isaac, recounted how the attackers struck the community on Sunday evening.
“Gunmen came around 8 pm to Angwan Rukuba and shot randomly at people. It’s a market setting. People who saw them said they came in soldier khaki. They left many injured,” he said.
Some protesters warned that continued attacks could push communities to resort to self-defence if authorities fail to act decisively.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang later arrived at the protest scene as tensions rose among residents demanding stronger security intervention and accountability for the recurring bloodshed.
*Gov Muftwang imposes curfew as UniJos shuts down
In response to the attack, the Plateau State Government imposed a 48-hour curfew across Jos North Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, confirmed the development in a statement, describing the incident as a “barbaric and unprovoked attack on innocent citizens.”
“Following the tragic security incident that occurred at Gari Ya Waye community, Angwan Rukuba today, Sunday, resulting in the loss of lives… the government has imposed a 48-hour curfew within Jos North Local Government Area with immediate effect,” the statement said.
Mutfwang also condemned the killings and assured residents that security agencies had been mobilised to apprehend those responsible.
Authorities directed residents to remain indoors while security operatives intensified patrols in affected communities to prevent further escalation.
The Plateau State Police Command earlier confirmed 14 deaths, but subsequent reports indicated the toll had risen to at least 28 as more bodies were recovered from the scene.
Police said joint operations involving tactical teams and other security agencies were ongoing to track down the perpetrators.
“We urge citizens to provide accurate information to assist the investigation,” the police said, noting that senior officers had been deployed to stabilise the area.
Paul Mancha, chairperson of the Plateau State Youth Council, suggested the casualties could be higher.
“Wicked terrorists came and attacked our people. We have counted scores of people who are now dead, while many others are in hospital receiving treatment,” he said.
*UniJos shuts down, exams disrupted
The violence also disrupted academic activities at the University of Jos (UniJos), forcing authorities to temporarily shut down operations and postpone examinations scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.
Deputy Registrar, Emmanuel Madugu, advised students and staff to prioritise safety and avoid unnecessary movement amid heightened tension across Jos North.
University authorities said the decision followed security concerns triggered by the attack and the subsequent curfew imposed in the area.
Students expressed anxiety over the worsening security situation, particularly in areas of the affected communities that host student populations.
*Outrage spreads on social media
The killings have triggered widespread outrage on social media, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the persistent violence in Plateau State.
A social media user identified as Kaptain Kush wrote: “Jos is under curfew tonight. Palm Sunday. Gunmen on motorcycles shot through a student community and killed at least 10 people. Over 40 dead in Plateau since Thursday.”
Another user, Oyindamola, questioned the government’s response to recurring attacks and called for stronger preventive measures.
*Atiku, US lawmaker condemn killings
A former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, condemned the attack, describing the incident as evidence of worsening insecurity across the country.
“I am outraged by the barbaric attack in Gari Ya Waye community… which claimed the lives of scores of innocent Nigerians,” Atiku said.
“What we are witnessing is not merely a security lapse, but a tragic descent into lawlessness where human lives are treated as expendable.”
He urged authorities to demonstrate a stronger political will to halt the wave of violence.
“The continued slaughter of innocent citizens cannot become our new normal,” he added.
Also, United States Congressman Riley Moore condemned the attack, warning that persistent violence against Christian communities could have diplomatic implications.
“This Palm Sunday, reports from Nigeria indicate that Christians were martyred in the city of Jos. This is sickening and unacceptable,” Moore said.
He urged Nigerian authorities to strengthen security around religious gatherings to prevent further attacks.
*Pattern of recurring violence
Plateau State has long been regarded as one of Nigeria’s most volatile regions, with recurring clashes often linked to disputes over land ownership, grazing routes and identity tensions between farming and herding communities.
Residents said threats had circulated on social media before the latest attack, heightening concerns about the fragility of security arrangements in the state.
While authorities insist the situation is under control, protesters maintain that the killings underscore the urgent need for stronger preventive security measures and accountability.
“Our communities cannot continue to live in fear,” one resident said. “We want lasting peace, not temporary restrictions.”
