Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A tragic and violent incident in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State has left families devastated and communities in mourning, as footage of a mother grieving her slain child circulates online, underscoring the human cost of the attack that occurred on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026. The attack took place in the Angwan Rukuba and Gari Ya Waye communities, where gunmen reportedly targeted residents late in the evening, creating panic and widespread fear.
Preliminary reports indicate that at least fourteen people were killed during the assault, although local sources suggest the death toll may be higher as additional bodies were recovered during follow-up searches. The gunmen, some reportedly on motorcycles, opened fire indiscriminately on residents, causing chaos as families tried to flee to safety. Eyewitness accounts describe the attackers moving quickly through the area, targeting homes and gathering spots, which left residents traumatized.
In response, the Plateau State Government imposed a 48-hour curfew across Jos North to prevent further attacks and allow security forces to investigate and apprehend those responsible. Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang condemned the attack as barbaric and unprovoked, pledging the deployment of security personnel to restore order and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Despite the curfew, hundreds of residents defied restrictions to protest near the scenes of the massacre. Demonstrators, many visibly anguished, demanded that authorities take decisive steps to prevent future violence. The protests reflected both grief and frustration over recurring insecurity, with residents calling for long-term solutions beyond temporary restrictions.
Eyewitnesses detailed how gunmen moved through the community, firing sporadically and causing panic. Some residents described the attackers as targeting specific areas where families and neighbors had gathered, intensifying the sense of vulnerability and fear in the community.
The motive behind the attack remains under investigation, and authorities have not identified any group responsible. Plateau State has faced a history of violence, including clashes over land, grazing rights, and longstanding ethnic and religious tensions. Security agencies are coordinating with state and federal authorities to investigate the attack thoroughly and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Local leaders and community members have urged calm while demanding swift and transparent investigations. Religious and civil society groups called for restraint, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilian lives and restoring public confidence in security structures.
Human rights and peace advocates highlight that incidents like the Jos massacre reflect deeper structural issues, including limited security presence in rural areas, unresolved local disputes, and the activities of armed groups. They argue that effective responses should combine immediate security measures with strategies to address root causes, improve community policing, and ensure accountability.
The heartbreaking video of a mother mourning her child has become a symbol of the suffering endured by families and has reignited discussions about the emotional and societal impact of such violence. Residents and observers hope that the attack will prompt renewed government and security agency efforts to safeguard communities, uphold justice, and restore lasting peace in Plateau State.
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