Tension has gripped parts of Plateau State following fresh attacks by gunmen on communities in Jos North Local Government Area, leaving several residents dead and many others injured.
According to reports, the latest incident occurred on Sunday night when armed men stormed Angwan Rukuba community, opening fire indiscriminately on residents.
Witnesses said the attackers struck at about 8:00 p.m., causing panic as people fled for safety. Initial accounts indicate that at least 12 persons were killed in the assault, which security sources suspect may be linked to cult-related violence.
In a separate but related report, multiple casualties were also recorded in another Plateau community, with local authorities describing the attack as part of a troubling pattern of recurring violence in the state.
Although exact casualty figures remain unclear, several residents were feared dead following the shootings.Reacting swiftly, the Plateau State Government imposed a 48-hour curfew on Jos North Local Government Area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The restriction, which took effect from midnight, is aimed at enabling security agencies to restore calm and carry out operations to apprehend the perpetrators.
Officials condemned the attack, describing it as one too many, and assured residents that security forces have been deployed to the affected areas.
Plateau State, particularly Jos and its environs, has witnessed repeated cycles of violence over the years, often linked to communal tensions, criminal gangs, and disputes over resources. These recurring attacks have heightened fears among residents and raised concerns about the effectiveness of ongoing security measures.
As of press time, security agencies have launched a manhunt for the assailants, while residents remain on edge amid fears of possible reprisals
