“We have counted scores of people who are now dead and then so many others are also in the hospital receiving treatment,” an unnamed local contact reported following a devastating attack in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, on Palm Sunday, March 30, 2026.
At least 27 individuals lost their lives when unidentified gunmen opened fire at a popular gathering spot in Angwan Rukuba around 8 PM. According to local contacts, 14 victims died at the scene, while 13 succumbed to their injuries in hospitals.
The state government has responded by imposing a 48-hour curfew in parts of northern Jos, aiming to restore order and ensure the safety of residents. Eyewitnesses described the attack as coordinated, with multiple casualties recorded, leading to heightened fears within the community.
Residents have reported conflicting accounts regarding the identity of the attackers. Some allege that they were members of Boko Haram, while others claim they were armed Fulani militia. 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 previous years. For instance, in 2025, 54 Christians were killed in Zikke village, and in 2024, four people died in Njukkudel and Tangur.
In light of the recent violence, the University of Jos has postponed exams that were scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, reflecting the broader impact of the attack on community life.
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.”
The total death toll from the incident remains unclear, as reports vary. As investigations continue, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event.