Scores of people have been killed and several others injured following an attack by unknown gunmen in Angwan Rukuba, located in Jos North Local Government
Area of Plateau State. The attack reportedly occurred at about 7:00 p.m., catching residents off guard as they went about their normal evening activities.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the assailants arrived in large numbers on motorcycles. Upon reaching the area, they began shooting sporadically into the air before directing gunfire at a crowd gathered at a popular junction.
The sudden eruption of violence caused widespread panic, forcing residents and passersby to flee in different directions in search of safety. Many people were reportedly trapped in the chaos as the attackers continued firing.
The shooting was said to have started near Plateau Private School, a well-known landmark in the community. The presence of a crowd in the area at the time contributed to the high number of casualties recorded.
Local sources described the scene as chaotic, with victims lying on the ground while others cried out for help. Some injured persons were rushed to nearby hospitals by residents and emergency responders.
The Media Information Officer, Captain Chinonso Polycarp, confirmed the incident, stating that the shooting took place while residents were engaged in their normal daily routines. He noted that the exact number of casualties had not yet been determined at the time of reporting.
According to him, preliminary information suggests that scores of people lost their lives in the shooting, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries. Those injured are currently receiving medical treatment at different health facilities.
Security agencies have since been deployed to the area to restore calm and prevent further escalation of violence. The presence of security personnel is also aimed at reassuring residents and maintaining order in the aftermath of the attack.
Captain Polycarp added that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the shooting. Authorities have not yet disclosed any suspected motives or confirmed whether any arrests have been made.
Residents of Angwan Rukuba have expressed fear and concern over the recurring incidents of violence in the area. Many are calling on the government and security agencies to take stronger measures to ensure their safety.
The attack has further heightened tensions in Plateau State, a region that has experienced repeated episodes of communal and armed violence in recent years. Community leaders have urged residents to remain calm while authorities work to address the situation.
As of now, officials continue to assess the full scale of the casualties and damage caused by the attack. Emergency response efforts remain ongoing, with a focus on providing medical care to survivors and restoring normalcy to the affected community.
Authorities have assured the public that steps are being taken to prevent future incidents, though concerns about security remain high among residents.
