Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
At least 28 people have been killed and many more injured after a violent gunmen attack rocked the Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State on the evening of March 29, 2026. What began as a seemingly ordinary Sunday quickly descended into chaos and bloodshed, as assailants opened fire on residents gathered in one of the community’s busiest neighborhoods. Authorities and local leaders described the attack as senseless and tragic.
The attack occurred in the Gari Ya Waye section of Angwan Rukuba around 7:30 p.m., when armed gunmen riding motorcycles and possibly other vehicles stormed the area and began shooting indiscriminately. Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of panic, with civilians fleeing in multiple directions as shots rang out across the usually vibrant district. Attackers targeted men, women, and children, causing widespread fear and disruption.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang confirmed the death toll in a statewide broadcast, stating that twenty-eight innocent lives were lost in the assault. He condemned the violence as tragic and senseless and pledged that those responsible would be tracked down and brought to justice. The governor also announced that the state government would bear the full cost of medical treatment for survivors and provide dignified burials for victims.
The University of Jos has identified some of the survivors caught up in the attack. Two students, Patrick Ishaya, a 300-level student in Geography and Planning, and Abel Joro Gershon, a 300-level Building student, were injured, along with a university hall officer, Duguryil Ufialas Daniel, serving at the postgraduate hostel. All three are currently receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, where university leadership visited them to assess their conditions and offer support.
In response to the violence, the Plateau State Government imposed a 48-hour curfew across Jos North Local Government Area in an attempt to restore order and prevent further bloodshed. Residents were ordered to remain indoors while security forces intensified patrols and operations across affected neighborhoods.
The aftermath of the attack drew strong condemnation from national and community leaders. The Nigerian Senate directed the Inspector-General of Police to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, while both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Mutfwang vowed that those responsible would face justice. Legal and civil society organizations also condemned the killings as gruesome and unacceptable, urging cohesive action to prevent further violence.
Religious and community groups described the assault as a major setback to peacebuilding efforts in the state. The Plateau chapter of Jama’atu Nasril Islam called the killings barbaric and warned that such violence threatens the delicate coexistence of diverse communities in Plateau State. Civil society organizations echoed these concerns, urging authorities to strengthen security measures and ensure accountability for the perpetrators.
The attack occurred in a region already familiar with communal tensions and periodic outbreaks of violence. Plateau State, located in Nigeria’s central Middle Belt, has seen similar deadly incidents in recent years, often linked to disputes over land, resources, and historical ethnic and religious fault lines. Analysts note that these underlying factors continue to complicate efforts to secure lasting peace and protect civilians in affected areas.
After the curfew was partially relaxed, tensions remained high as reports emerged of sporadic hoodlum attacks and unrest in parts of Jos, highlighting the fragile security environment even days after the initial assault.
The full details of who orchestrated the attack and the motivations behind it remain under investigation. No group has publicly claimed responsibility, and authorities have appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies. As investigations continue, the state government has reiterated its commitment to bringing perpetrators to justice and preventing a recurrence of such violence.
For students, families, and residents of Plateau State, the Palm Sunday bloodshed at Angwan Rukuba is a stark reminder of the persistent insecurity facing communities across central Nigeria and the urgent need for sustained, coordinated efforts to protect civilians and uphold peace.
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