Jos, Nigeria — A tragic violence erupted on March 29, 2026, in the predominantly Christian community of Angwan Rukuba, located in Plateau State, during the evening hours following Palm Sunday services. Gunmen opened fire on residents gathered along a crowded street, resulting in the deaths of at least 37 individuals in what has become one of the most devastating attacks in the region this year.
Witnesses reported that the assault began around 8 p.m. as families returned from church. The coordinated attack targeted a popular gathering spot, with armed assailants navigating through the area while shooting at residents. Numerous homes were damaged before the attackers retreated into nearby mountainous terrain. Initial reports on the casualties underestimated the toll, but subsequent confirmation revealed that 27 bodies were returned to the community, while many others sustained injuries.
The violence did not end there; earlier that day, additional gunfire in places such as Angwa Rukuba Junction and nearby student housing complexes claimed the lives of at least 10 more people, adding to the day’s grim tally.
In response to the escalating violence, the Plateau State government imposed a 48-hour curfew in parts of northern Jos, beginning at midnight on March 29. Despite these measures, public unrest grew as residents took to the streets, blocking roads and demanding accountability for what they see as a recurring cycle of violence in a region that has faced similar tragedies far too often.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang expressed outrage over the attacks in a public statement, labeling them “barbaric and unprovoked” and assuring the public that authorities were working to apprehend those responsible. The University of Jos, located in the affected area, postponed exams scheduled for the following days and urged students living nearby to stay indoors.
Conflicting accounts regarding the identity of the attackers complicate the narrative. While some witnesses identified the assailants as members of the notorious Boko Haram group, others claimed they were armed Fulani militia who arrived on motorcycles and then vanished into the hills. Official confirmation regarding the attackers’ identities has yet to be provided by security agencies.
Earlier that day, a separate attack in Kaduna State saw gunmen kill at least 13 people at a bachelor’s party in Kahir village. Survivors described the harrowing incident, and authorities worked to identify additional victims from nearby communities affected by the attack.
The recent violence underscores a persistent trend of attacks during the Holy Week period in Plateau State. In previous years, similar incidents have resulted in significant casualties, with entire communities disrupted by continuous cycles of violence. Notably, in 2025, 54 Christians were reported killed after Palm Sunday celebrations in Zikke village, and several deadly assaults occurred during the Easter period in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
As violence continued to unfold, Plateau State authorities filed charges against five suspects in connection to the Angwan Rukuba attack. However, the cycle of violence appears unbroken, evidenced by another attack on May 8 in the Ngbra Zongo community, which resulted in the deaths of 13 residents, including pregnant women.
The political repercussions are being felt nationally, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticizing President Bola Tinubu amid escalating violence in Plateau State, calling the attacks a form of “coordinated terror.” Reports by Human Rights Watch have underscored the ongoing insecurity in the region and highlighted the lack of accountability for perpetrators.
As families mourn their losses in both Angwan Rukuba and Ngbra Zongo, fundamental questions remain: who is behind these ongoing attacks, and what measures will be taken to ensure the safety of the communities? Local partners and activists continue to gather information as concerns grow over the rising toll in Plateau’s affected areas.