…the Jos North attack unfolded rapidly, leaving several victims lifeless while others sustained gunshot wounds.
Jos, Nigeria — The iNews Times reports that not less than 10 people have been confirmed dead and several others injured following a deadly Jos North attack on Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday night.
The tragic incident, which residents described as shocking and devastating, occurred at about 8:00 p.m. when heavily armed gunmen, numbering over 20, reportedly invaded Gari Yawaye, a suburb within Angwan Rukuba, and began shooting sporadically. The sudden burst of gunfire sent residents running for safety, plunging the community into grief and confusion.
Eyewitness accounts obtained by The iNews Times indicate that the attackers arrived on motorcycles and were dressed in uniforms resembling those of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The disguise, according to residents, initially created a false sense of security before the situation turned deadly.
One resident who spoke exclusively to The iNews Times recounted the horrifying moment the attackers struck.
“The attackers were dressed in NDLEA uniforms. They even bought some items from a trader before opening fire from within the shop. The shop owner was lucky to have escaped. Four others weren’t lucky,” he said.
According to him, the Jos North attack unfolded rapidly, leaving several victims lifeless while others sustained gunshot wounds, either from direct hits or stray bullets as they attempted to flee.
“By the time they left, 10 people had been killed while several others were injured either by stray bullets or while trying to escape,” the resident added.
The Angwan Rukuba community, known for its relatively calm atmosphere and proximity to the University of Jos, was thrown into mourning. The area houses several staff members and students of the institution, making Sunday night’s violence even more disturbing for families and residents who had considered the neighbourhood relatively safe.
Residents lamented what they described as delayed security response. According to eyewitnesses, soldiers and other security operatives reportedly arrived nearly one hour after the gunmen had fled the scene.
“The pathetic thing is that the army and other security operatives came almost one hour after the gunmen left,” the source said.
The late arrival of security personnel has sparked fresh concerns over rapid response mechanisms in times of emergency, especially in vulnerable communities within Plateau State.
Plateau State has experienced recurring security challenges over the years, with various communities grappling with sporadic violence and deadly attacks. The latest Jos North attack has once again raised fears about the safety of residents and the effectiveness of security surveillance in the area.
Efforts by The iNews Times to obtain official reactions were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. Calls placed to the Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Alfred Alabo, went unanswered. Similarly, attempts to reach the spokesperson of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Captain Nicholas Oteh, did not yield any response.
As families mourn their loved ones, questions remain over the identity and motive of the gunmen who carried out the attack. The use of NDLEA-like uniforms has also introduced a troubling dimension, as security experts warn that impersonation of law enforcement agencies could further complicate trust between civilians and security institutions.
Community leaders are reportedly calling for increased patrols, improved intelligence gathering, and a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators of the Jos North attack to justice. Residents are also urging authorities to strengthen surveillance, particularly in areas surrounding tertiary institutions and densely populated neighbourhoods.
Security analysts note that attacks carried out under the cover of official uniforms can erode public confidence and heighten tension within communities already grappling with insecurity. The latest tragedy underscores the urgent need for coordinated security strategies and proactive measures to prevent further loss of lives.
As Plateau State authorities are expected to respond formally, the Angwan Rukuba community remains in mourning, with families preparing to bury their dead and injured victims receiving treatment in undisclosed medical facilities.
The iNews Times will continue to monitor developments surrounding the Jos North attack, including any official statements, security updates, and confirmed casualty figures as they emerge.
