The Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, alongside partners and associates, has paid a condolence visit to families and survivors of the recent Angwan Rukuba attack in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, where 28 persons were reportedly killed by gunmen on Palm Sunday.
The delegation, led by The Revd Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, President and CEO of The Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, met with the victims on Monday, April 13, 2026, at the University of Jos Guest House in Angwan Rukuba. The visit was aimed at providing emotional support, encouraging survivors, and offering practical assistance in the aftermath of the трагic incident.
Speaking during the engagement, Para-Mallam explained that the visit was designed to bring comfort and empathy to grieving families while also creating a safe space for them to share their experiences. He described the interaction as deeply emotional and therapeutic, noting that many of the survivors expressed not only grief but also concern over the persistent insecurity in the area.
According to him, the victims made it clear that beyond material donations, their primary concern is the urgent need for government to address security lapses, especially in vulnerable communities within Jos North. He highlighted reports of porous security and insufficient presence of security personnel in known flashpoints, calling for more proactive measures to prevent future attacks.
Para-Mallam urged the affected families and youths to resist the temptation of retaliation, stressing that vengeance would only escalate the cycle of violence. He encouraged them to trust in God for justice while continuing to pursue peaceful coexistence. He also reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to peacebuilding efforts, including partnerships with humanitarian organizations to provide ongoing support to victims.
As part of immediate relief efforts, the foundation donated bags of fertilizer to the families, explaining that the gesture was intended to support their farming activities and promote self-sufficiency, rather than short-term relief items alone.
Also addressing the gathering, Government House Chaplain, Benjamin Nadabo, conveyed the concern of the Plateau State Government and assured the victims that efforts are ongoing to improve security across the state. He acknowledged the complexity of the security challenges facing the country, noting that even security personnel have become targets in recent times.
He emphasized the need for continuous prayers for leaders, particularly the Commander-in-Chief, to be granted wisdom and courage in tackling insecurity. While noting the limitations of state governments in controlling federal security agencies, he assured the victims that their concerns would be communicated to the appropriate authorities.
In her remarks, Plateau State Chairperson of the Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), Sarah Dalu, encouraged the bereaved families to find solace in their faith. She urged them not to mourn without hope, emphasizing the importance of spiritual strength and unity within families and communities during difficult times.
She also called on mothers and community leaders to guide the younger generation towards peace and resilience, stressing the need to raise children with values that promote harmony and coexistence.
Similarly, community leader Jamila Gwandu appealed for unity across religious divides, urging Christians and Muslims to come together to confront the growing insecurity. She noted that violence affects all communities regardless of faith and called for collective action to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
A trauma care expert, Mugu Zaka Bako, also facilitated a counselling session during the visit, guiding survivors through the process of emotional healing. He encouraged them to openly express their grief and share their experiences, noting that such engagement is critical in managing trauma and rebuilding emotional strength.
During the session, several victims recounted harrowing details of the attack, describing the pain of losing loved ones and the ongoing fear within the community. They reiterated calls for improved security presence, better intelligence gathering, and sustained government intervention to prevent further violence.
The survivors also appealed for continued support from both government and non-governmental organizations, stressing that recovery would require not only immediate assistance but long-term commitment to rebuilding their lives and restoring peace.
The visit concluded with prayers for the victims, their families, and the state, as well as a renewed call for unity, justice, and collective responsibility in addressing insecurity. The foundation reaffirmed its dedication to de-escalating tensions and promoting peaceful coexistence across Plateau State and beyond.
