Plateau Community in Mourning: Death Toll Rises to 28 in Angwan Rukuba Attack on Palm Sunday
No fewer than 28 persons have been reportedly killed, with several others injured, following a deadly attack by suspected gunmen in Gari Ya Waye community, Angwan Rukuba, Jos.
Youth leaders in the area confirmed the casualty figure, describing the attack, which occurred on Palm Sunday night, March 29th, 2026, around 7:50 p.m., as coordinated and devastating. The incident threw the community into panic as residents fled amid heavy gunfire.
Eyewitnesses and community leaders said the attackers stormed the area, shooting indiscriminately at residents before fleeing. Security personnel, including the Nigerian Army, were reported to have arrived later in the evening to restore order.
Speaking at the scene, the Zonal Coordinator of the Plateau Youth Council, Samson Chiroma, said bodies were recovered from the area overnight, with additional deaths recorded in hospitals.
He alleged that the attack was “well-coordinated and calculated,” adding that the community had earlier received threats on social media prior to the incident. Chiroma called on authorities to investigate the threats and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Also speaking, the Jos North Chairman of the Plateau Youth Council, Ambassador Paul Mancha, condemned the attack and urged government and security agencies to act decisively.
“This was not an accidental attack. It was deliberate and well executed. We have been working to calm our youths and prevent reprisals, but justice must be served,” he said.
Mancha emphasized the need for thorough investigations, including scrutiny of individuals who allegedly made inciting statements on social media prior to the attack. He also called for improved accountability among security operatives during emergency responses.
Similarly, Chairman of the Coalition of Youth Leaders for Good Governance, Phillip Nanbut Bako, described the incident as tragic and unacceptable, urging government authorities to take immediate action to prevent further loss of lives.
He warned that continued attacks without accountability could provoke unrest, while stressing that community leaders are working to restrain youths from taking the law into their hands.
As of the time of filing this report, several injured victims are receiving treatment in hospitals, while security agencies continue efforts to stabilize the area.
In response to the incident, the Plateau State Government has imposed a 48-hour curfew on Jos North to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as investigations into the attack continue.
