Terrorists storm Plateau community, killing 27 on Palm Sunday
By Ishaya Ibrahim
At least 27 villagers were killed on Sunday by rampaging terrorists who stormed the Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
President of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association said 14 fatalities were immediately confirmed while 13 died later in the hospital.
The tragic incident prompted the state government to immediately impose a 48-hour curfew in the area.
In a statement on Sunday, the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, said the curfew would take effect from midnight on March 29 to April 1, 2026.
The government described the decision as a response to the “tragic security incident” in the area, which resulted in the loss of lives and left several others injured.
The statement read: “Following the tragic security incident that occurred at Gari Ya Waye community, Angwan Rukuba, today, Sunday, 29th March 2026, resulting in the loss of lives, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
“The Plateau State Government, in conjunction with security agencies, wishes to inform the general public of the imposition of a 48-hour curfew within Jos North Local Government Area with immediate effect.”
According to the statement, Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric and unprovoked,” and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend those responsible.
The gunmen stormed the community on motorcycles on Sunday evening, shooting at passersby and those selling by the roadside.
A resident, John Caleb, told Punch Newspaper: “We have been badly hit in Angwa by unknown gunmen. So far, six people have been confirmed dead, and several other casualties are at the Luna Hospital by New Road. It’s very unfortunate.”
Another resident, Janet Pam, who described the attack as strange, said she initially ignored the sound of gunshots before realising that gunmen were shooting at people.
She said: “I was in my house at Angwan Rukuba when I heard the first gunshot.
“At first, I ignored the sound, but when I heard it the second time, I came outside only to find out that it was gunmen on bikes shooting at people.
“They targeted those moving on the road and those selling by the roadside. Among those shot dead was my neighbour, who was returning from the evening church service.
“So far, we have counted six persons who were killed during the incident. I have never seen anything like this before. This is pure terrorism.”
Pam added that the attackers fled the scene on motorcycles before security operatives arrived.
She said the incident had caused panic in the community, with residents calling on the government to enforce the ban on commercial motorcycles in Jos and Bukuru metropolis.
It was gathered that some youths, angered by the attack, blocked the road in the area but were later dispersed by security operatives.
Plateau State has witnessed a resurgence of violent attacks in recent months, particularly in rural communities and parts of Jos North Local Government Area.
The latest incident comes weeks after at least 20 security operatives and vigilantes were reportedly killed in an ambush by gunmen in Kanam Local Government Area of the state.
Communities in Plateau and neighbouring states have also faced repeated attacks, kidnappings, and cattle rustling over the past few years, with residents frequently calling for improved security presence.
In 2025, coordinated attacks across several Plateau communities, including Bokkos and Barkin Ladi, left over 100 people dead and displaced thousands of residents.
Similarly, Christmas Eve attacks in 2023 in Plateau communities resulted in the killing of more than 140 villagers, drawing national and international condemnation.
Additional reporting from Punch Newspaper.
