Date: March 30, 2026 l Reporter: Musa Muhammad
Residents of Plateau State have confirmed that at least 26 people were killed following a deadly Palm Sunday attack carried out by gunmen in Jos North Local Government Area, intensifying fears over worsening insecurity in the region.
The confirmation came through a video obtained on Monday, in which community members detailed the scale of the killings after the attack on Anguwan Rukuba, a densely populated area in Jos. The residents described the incident as a massacre, with victims shot during a sudden and coordinated assault.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers stormed the community in the evening, opening fire indiscriminately on civilians in what many described as a busy environment. The violence caused widespread panic as residents fled for safety while others were left injured.
The attack, which occurred during Palm Sunday celebrations, has further heightened tensions in Plateau State, a region that has experienced repeated episodes of violence over the years. Community members expressed outrage over the killings, insisting that the number of casualties was higher than initial reports suggested.
Following the massacre, the Plateau State Government imposed a 48-hour curfew in Jos North in an attempt to contain the situation and prevent further escalation. However, the measure has sparked frustration among residents, some of whom took to the streets in protest, demanding stronger action from authorities to protect lives and property.
Witnesses said the attackers were reportedly dressed in military-style uniforms, a tactic that created confusion and allowed them to carry out the assault before security forces could respond. The development has raised serious concerns about security lapses and the growing boldness of armed groups operating in the area.
Residents have also criticized the government’s response to the recurring violence, describing it as inadequate and reactive. Many called for urgent and lasting solutions to the persistent attacks that have continued to plague communities across Plateau State.
The latest massacre adds to a series of deadly incidents in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where communities have frequently been targeted in violent attacks, leaving dozens dead and many more displaced.
As security agencies continue investigations, residents say they remain on edge, fearing further violence while calling on authorities to ensure justice for the victims and prevent future attacks.