By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
A surge of violence claimed at least 30 lives during a late-night assault in Nigeria’s north-central Plateau State. Gunmen arrived on motorcycles in the Gari Ya Waye community of Jos North on Sunday, targeting a settlement that serves as a hub for the local university community. Witnesses reported that the attackers fired sporadically into the settlement. Markus Audu Kando, a resident and co-chair of a local interfaith group, confirmed the rising toll by phone: “As I speak with you, the figure is now 30 … There are injured people at the hospital.” This latest incident underscores the volatile security landscape in a region plagued by historical grievances.
Government Imposes Immediate Curfew
The Plateau State Government responded to the bloodshed by declaring a 48-hour restriction on movement within the Angwan Rukuba district. State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, announced the measure in an official statement. “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,” the statement read. The curfew began at midnight on March 29 and is scheduled to remain in place until April 1, 2026. Authorities warned that movement would be strictly restricted for the duration, except for essential services. Due to the proximity of the violence, the University of Jos has suspended all examinations originally scheduled to begin on Monday.
Condemnation from State Leadership
Governor Caleb Mutfwang addressed the tragedy with a vow to pursue the attackers. He described the event as a “tragic security incident” that necessitated strict intervention. Mutfwang strongly condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric and unprovoked.” He assured the public that security forces are currently working to stabilize the area. The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property. Mutfwang noted that “all necessary measures are being taken to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they face the full wrath of the law.” Residents are urged to remain law-abiding and cooperate by providing credible information to assist investigations. “Wicked terrorists came and attacked our people. We have counted scores of people who are now dead,” said Paul Mancha, chairperson of the Plateau youth council.
Root Causes of Regional Instability
Plateau State serves as a focal point for long-standing tensions between ethnic and religious groups. Clashes frequently erupt between predominantly Muslim Fulani herders and mostly Christian farming communities. These disputes typically center on access to land and grazing rights. While often viewed through an ethno-religious lens, experts and politicians emphasize that climate change and expanding agriculture are stoking fierce competition for resources, driving conflict regardless of faith. The situation is further complicated by the presence of criminal gangs and bandits. This cycle of violence often escalates from localized arguments into large-scale communal massacres.
Patterns of Escalating Violence
The Sunday massacre follows a similar deadly encounter earlier this month. On March 14, gunmen ambushed a military patrol and raided a nearby village. The Kanam Development Association (KADA) reported that 12 security personnel and eight community members died in that engagement. “In the unfortunate exchange of gunfire that followed the ambush, our nation lost brave defenders who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty,” KADA said. The group noted that the attackers also stole property, including rustled cattle, during the raid.
National Security and International Friction
Nigeria continues to struggle with multifaceted security threats across its territory. The military is currently engaged in a protracted fight against radical Islamist insurgencies in the northeast. Simultaneously, the rise of “banditry” and kidnapping for ransom in the
north-central and northwest regions stretches defense resources thin. The violence has drawn international scrutiny; last November, U.S. President Donald Trump re-designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern.” The White House alleged that Christians were being targeted and that authorities were failing to protect them—a claim the Nigerian government continues to deny. “This further compounds the suffering of already vulnerable rural communities,” KADA said regarding the repetitive nature of these strikes.
A Call for Lasting Peace
The recurring nature of these attacks has left residents calling for sustained efforts to restore lasting peace rather than temporary measures. While the immediate curfew seeks to prevent a retaliatory spiral, the broader challenge remains addressing the underlying socio-economic triggers of the conflict. As Africa’s most populous nation grapples with these internal fractures, the safety of rural communities hangs on the government’s ability to transition from reactive policing to proactive reconciliation.
