Unidentified gunmen on Thursday night attacked a community around Rukuba road in Jos North Local Government Area, killing five men and eight women, including a family of nine
On Friday morning, violence erupted in the community and other parts of Jos metropolis, leading to the death of over a dozen persons.
The state governor, Simon Bako Lalong, has now declared a dusk to dawn curfew in Jos North and Jos South local government areas of the state.
A statement issued and signed by the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Sir. Richard Tokma stated that, “sequel to the security breach in some parts of Jos north, Governor Simon Bako Lalong has approved the imposition of a dusk-to-dawn curfew from 6am to 6pm in Jos north and Jos south local government area of the state.”
The statement stated that while “ensuring the safety of lives and properties of the populace, citizens are advised to exercise restraint and remain calm and report any suspicious movements to the law enforcement agents.”
Thursday night’s attack had sparked a reprisal attack by community members who blocked major roads around the area and attacked passers-by.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tyopev Terna, stated in a press statement that the police command control room had received a distress call to the effect that there were sporadic gunshots at Rukuba road opposite Kowa Hotel in Jos around 10:05pm on Thursday.
The statement explained that the command had mobilized patrol teams to the scene of the incident adding that, “the unknown gunmen had taken advantage of the ongoing rain in the area to attack residents.”
He however said the attackers were forced to flee from the scene by the combined superior fire power of the police and Operation Safe Haven and that some people who reside close to the hills were rescued while some persons were killed as a result of the attack.
DSP Terna further said those who sustained gunshot wounds were rushed to the Bingham University Teaching Hospital and are currently receiving treatment.
There is currently increased security presence around the city while schools, shops and other business centres closed earlier than usual.
