At least 30 people have been killed after gunmen attacked a university community in Nigeria’s central Plateau State, triggering a 48-hour curfew and renewed concerns over persistent violence in the region.
Residents and local officials said the attackers stormed Gari Ya Waye in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North Local Government Area on Sunday night, opening fire on civilians.
“They came and started shooting sporadically,” Paul Mancha, a community leader, told Reuters. He added that several others were injured and taken to hospitals.
The Plateau State Government confirmed the attack and imposed a curfew across Jos North to prevent further violence. In a statement, Commissioner for Information Joyce Ramnap said the restriction, which took effect from midnight Sunday, was aimed at restoring calm.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the killings, describing the incident as a “barbaric and unprovoked” assault on innocent residents. He said security agencies had been directed to deploy all necessary resources to apprehend those responsible.
Authorities said the attackers remain unidentified.
The violence also disrupted academic activities, with the University of Jos suspending examinations scheduled to begin on Monday due to the deteriorating security situation.
Jos North and other parts of Plateau State have experienced recurring violence over the years, often linked to tensions between local communities and nomadic herders. The clashes also often take ethnic and religious colouration.
Residents reported that security operatives were deployed shortly after the attack, with patrols intensified across affected neighbourhoods. Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and provide useful information to aid ongoing investigations.
Editor’s Note: The death toll in this report was revised to 30 from 13 following additional information.
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