Dozens of people were killed in a brutal attack on Palm Sunday in Ungwan Rukuba, a community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau state, Nigeria. The attack occurred in the evening, with armed men entering the community and opening fire on residents.
Eyewitnesses described the attack as coordinated, with multiple casualties recorded and several homes affected. The incident has left the community in shock, with reports indicating that at least 30 people lost their lives.
The Plateau state government has imposed a 48-hour curfew in parts of northern Jos to contain the situation. Despite the restriction, residents, including youth, took to the streets to protest the killings, blocking roads in some areas.
Separate reports from Angwa Rukuba Junction, Eto Baba, and nearby student residential communities indicate that at least 10 people were killed during gunfire earlier on Sunday. A humanitarian worker, Alex Barbir, stated in a video shared on social media that the victims were Christians attacked on Palm Sunday.
Residents gave differing accounts of the attackers, with one witness describing them as members of Boko Haram, while another alleged they were armed Fulani militia who arrived on motorcycles, fired sporadically, and retreated toward nearby mountainous areas.
As of the time of reporting, security agencies had not issued an official statement confirming the identity of the attackers. Local sources advised students living near the affected areas to remain indoors as tensions persisted.
The attack has sparked concern and outrage, with many calling for urgent action to address the growing insecurity in the region. The government and security agencies are urged to take necessary steps to ensure the safety of citizens and bring the perpetrators to justice.
