In Jos, the capital of Plateau State, Nigeria, a violent attack shocked the population on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026
Gunmen stormed the Angwan Rukuba neighborhood, a densely populated and predominantly Christian area in the north of the city, and opened fire indiscriminately on residents, shopkeepers, and students celebrating the holiday or conducting normal business activities.
The toll was at least 28 dead, in addition to several wounded who were taken to hospitals.
The attack occurred around 8 pm and lasted between 15 and 20 minutes.
Witnesses report that between seven and ten gunmen arrived in a minivan and on motorcycles.
They wore uniforms similar to those of the army, and some shouted “Allahu Akbar” while speaking Hausa and Fulfulde.
The attackers split into groups: one fired from the main road at the assembled crowd, while the others advanced through the neighborhood streets, even using machetes against those still alive.
Then they fled to the nearby hills.
Residents described scenes of terror.
A woman named Gimbiya recounted that she was at home when her grandson ran to warn her about the gunshots.
They hid, but the attackers broke through the fence and fired into the yard before proceeding to the neighboring house, where they killed several people.
Another neighbor, Dambaram Edward, said that at first they thought it was security agents conducting a routine operation, but they soon realized it was a massacre.
A resident named Samson Chiroma stated that soldiers arrived only when the shooters were already retreating and, instead of pursuing them, fired at young people who were trying to follow the attackers.
The following day, the state governor, Caleb Mutfwang, went to the scene in an armored vehicle to speak with the outraged population.
With bodies still in the streets and a strong military presence, he tried to calm tempers: “What happened hurt us all.
I couldn’t sleep and I rushed back here.
I know your pain and I’m suffering too.
I ask for patience so that we can listen to each other.” He announced a 48-hour curfew to avoid confrontations and promised to investigate the case and punish those responsible.
However, many young people and community leaders expressed frustration, saying they hear repeated promises after each attack, but security continues to fail.
Youth leaders, such as Solomon Dalyop and Ezekiel Bini, highlighted that there had been prior warnings about the presence of terrorists in various areas of the state, including Jos North.
They demanded firmer action from security forces and lamented that inaction allowed the massacre.
A peace and conflict expert, Professor Chris Kwaja, argued that it is necessary to combine justice with reconciliation efforts, recalling that the majority of the population wants to live in peace and rejects extremism.
As of now, the Nigerian Army has not released an official statement on the case.
The incident occurred just days after an American missionary warned of the risk of terrorist attacks in central Nigeria during the Easter period.
Angwan Rukuba is a busy area with many students and merchants, which made the attack even more devastating.
This sad event has reignited fears of sectarian violence in Plateau, a region that has suffered several similar attacks in the past.
The population is calling for effective protection and swift responses from the authorities to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.
Published in 03/31/2026 06h36
Text adapted by AI (Grok) and translated via Google API in the English version. Images from public image libraries or credits in the caption.
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