“We have counted scores of people who are now dead and then so many others are also in the hospital receiving treatment,” said an unnamed local contact following a tragic incident in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
On Palm Sunday, March 30, 2026, at least 27 people were killed when unidentified gunmen opened fire at a popular gathering spot in Angwan Rukuba. Eyewitnesses described the attack as coordinated, with 14 individuals dying at the scene and 13 others succumbing to their injuries in the hospital.
The state government has responded by imposing a 48-hour curfew in parts of northern Jos to maintain order and prevent further violence. Governor Caleb Manasseh Muftwang condemned the attack, stating, “The state government strongly condemns this barbaric and unprovoked attack on innocent citizens and assures the public that all necessary measures are being taken to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.”
Residents reported differing accounts regarding the identity of the attackers, with some alleging involvement from Boko Haram, while others pointed to armed Fulani militia. The exact identity of the attackers has not been confirmed, and details remain unconfirmed.
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of violence during the Easter period in Plateau State, which has seen similar attacks in recent years. In 2025, 54 Christians were killed in Zikke village, and in previous years, smaller scale attacks have also resulted in casualties.
In light of the violence, the University of Jos has postponed exams scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, further impacting the community already shaken by the attack.
As the situation develops, local authorities are expected to increase security measures in the area to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of residents.