The Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of the Jos Archdiocese in North-Central Nigeria has described the Palm Sunday attack at Angwan Rukuba as deliberate and well-coordinated operations executed on a clean slate, without any culprit apprehended by law enforcement agencies.
The JDPC Local Security Focal Person, Mr. Boniface Anthony, said the attackers were familiar with the environment, hence their sudden navigation and escaped after orchestrating the dastardly act that claimed the lives of 27 innocent persons.
Bodies of some of the victims of the massacre
He stated this in the security situation report review of the JDPC, which was made available to Advocatus Africa, calling for deliberate efforts to end the bloodshed of innocent people.
Anthony maintained that through the overview of the incident carried out on that Sunday night, the assailants, who were speaking Fulfulde, arrived in a vehicle and a tricycle (Keke NAPEP) and began shooting sporadically at residents.
The Local Security Focal Person of the Commission further explained that, “At approximately 7:00 PM on Sunday, 29th March 2025, coordinated attacks were carried out on Angwan Rukuba, Gari Ya Waye, and Atakyu communities in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“The assailants, reportedly gunmen speaking Fulfulde, arrived in a vehicle and a tricycle (Keke NAPEP) and began shooting sporadically at residents.
“The attack resulted in the death of 27 persons, with several others sustaining varying degrees of injuries. The injured victims are currently receiving treatment at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BUTH) also known as Jan Kwano, and other smaller health facilities within the area,” he stated.
Anthony noted that, as at the time of compiling their report, “there has been no confirmed arrest of the perpetrators. Security presence remains limited, although the Chairman of Jos North LGA, Barr. J. K. Chris visited the affected communities.”
In response to the incident, he said a 48-hour curfew was imposed to prevent further escalation and maintain public order, believing that the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang is expected to visit the communities for a condolence visit and may approve a mass burial for the victims or burial on an individual basis.
Speaking in the modus operandi of the assailants, the Focal person maintained that “the attackers reportedly gained access into the communities and later escaped through routes behind the Old Legislators’ Quarters along Etobaba Road, Jos, indicating a level of familiarity with the terrain.”
He emphasised the community impact and humanitarian concerns of the area thus “The attack has caused widespread fear, trauma, and displacement among residents. Survivors are in distress, and families of the victims are grappling with loss and uncertainty.
“There is an urgent need for, medical support for the injured, psychosocial support for affected individuals and families Security reinforcement to prevent further attacks.”
JDPC further disclosed that the Commission was in touch with some survivors who escaped by the shared grace of God and recounted their personal story.
“Residents reported narrowly escaping death during the attack, highlighting the intensity and sudden nature of the violence.
“The situation remains tense, with heightened fear among residents. Immediate and coordinated responses from security agencies, government authorities, and humanitarian actors are critical to stabilize the area, support victims, and prevent further violence.
“I sincerely thank God Almighty for His protection and covering. I also deeply appreciate Fr. Basil F. Kassam, Rev. Fr. Dr. Stephen Akpe, and Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Fom for taking the time to check on our safety,” some of the survivors expressed gratitude.
