•‘How Yohanna, among 21 others, was killed two days to his wedding’
•Palm Sunday of horror: I saw my father’s bullet-riddled body in front of our family house
•NDUME: Military not fully equipped to confront attackers
By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri and Golok Nanmwa, Jos
The nation is grieving after two separate attacks rocked Nigeria early last week, leaving dozens dead.
The first happened on what was supposed to be a solemn Palm Sunday evening of reflection and prayer when the densely populated Gari Ya Waye area of Angwan Rukuba community, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, descended into unimaginable terror.
At the end of the attack, at least 28 residents were confirmed dead.
This is not the first attack in Plateau.
The state has for several years been a scene of constant attacks in what analysts have described as indigenes and settlers faceoff.
To underscore the gravity of the attack, President Bola Tinubu visited Plateau on Thursday to commiserate with the people.
The second attack occurred barely 24 hours later, specifically on Monday, when armed members of Boko Haram terrorists invaded Kautikari village in Chibok local government area of Borno State, killing a Commander of Hunters involved in anti-terror operations, Mallam Bumto, and 21 others.
Amongst the victims was Peter Yohanna whose wedding was slated for Wednesday, April 1 before the Monday, March 30 massacre.
The incident left many residents to flee their homes for safety, as foodstuffs and livestock were looted by the attackers.
Kautikari has witnessed series of deadly Boko Haram attacks in the past, and is located not far away from the Council Headquarters of Chibok. It is predominantly a Christian and agrarian community located in the Sambisa forests, an enclaves of the terrorists.
A Kautikari indigene who escaped the attack, Mr. James Yakubu, said the attackers, large in numbers, invaded the community at about 6:56pm, and wreaked havoc without confrontation as there was no presence of troops or security operatives in the area.
Yakubu said, “It is unfortunate that the Commander of Hunters, Mallam Bumto, who just returned to Kautikari from his Lagos trip, fought gallantly in repelling the attackers, but he was later overwhelmed and killed by the terrorists.
“Although military operatives are doing their best, we need their permanent presence in Kautikari village at this critical period of attacks”.
A heartbroken cousin of Yohanna who was killed only 48 hours to his wedding, Mr. Chiroma Aliyu, told Sunday Vanguard, “We had concluded all necessary arrangements to ensure a befitting church wedding for our Brother Peter Yohanna in Kautikari on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, but we lost him in the bloody Monday attack.
“As it is, we are into mourning, and we have asked our relatives who are residing in Maiduguri and other locations to halt their planned movement concerning the wedding.
“Initially, we buried nine of our people, but we later found other bodies in the bush, making a total of 22 persons dead, even as we are still searching for those missing.”
Another relative, Miss Glory Kautikari, resident in Maiduguri, said she had made plans to attend the wedding of Peter Yohanna.
“I am seriously traumatized by the killing of Peter Yohanna and other people in Kautikari”, she said.
“In fact, I had finished all arrangements to leave Maiduguri on Tuesday to attend Peter Yohanna’s wedding.
“Unfortunately, we received a call that he was among those killed by Boko Haram last Monday. May the souls of those killed rest in peace, as we wish the injured ones quick recovery.”
Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) has extended his sympathies to the families of 22 civilians killed by the suspected terrorists.
Ndume, while reacting, commiserated with the families of the victims, and prayed Allah (God) to grant the victims eternal rest while wishing the injured ones quick recovery.
“Security operatives, especially the military, lack the firepower to end the over one decade of Boko Haram atrocities in the North-East”, he said, stressing: “The Federal Government must procure sophisticated weapons such as fighter jets, drones, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles to decisively dealt or confront the terrorists in Sambisa forests, the Timbuktu Triangle, the Mandara Mountains and the Lake Chad region which have remained enclaves and hideouts of the dreaded terrorists group”.
The senator said that Technology, Equipment, Arms/Ammunition and Motivation (TEAAM) must be provided to the military and other security agencies, especially frontline troops to end the war.
Ndume, a former Chairman Senate Committee on Army, added: “For many years, I have been one of the strong advocates, calling upon the military to take the war to the doorsteps of the insurgents, be proactive rather than reactive.
“Unfortunately, I was made to understand that the military are not fully equipped for the tasks, and, therefore, let me urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to please do the needful”.
He, however, commended troops, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, hunters and vigilantes for their unwavering sacrifices and commitment in the fight against terrorism and other criminalities not only in the North-East, but the country as a whole.
The senator also called on the members of the public to assist by sharing information on the modus operandi of the terrorists to security agencies, as, according to him, the security challenges should not be left in the hands of military alone, but all hands must be on deck.
Palm Sunday horror in Jos
On what was supposed to be a solemn Palm Sunday evening of reflection and prayer, the densely populated Gari Ya Waye area in Angwan Rukuba community, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, descended into unimaginable terror.
Instead of peaceful family moments and spiritual contemplation that usually define the day, residents suddenly found themselves running for their lives as heavily armed gunmen stormed the neighbourhood around 7:30 pm on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived in large numbers on motorcycles, many dressed in military-style attire.
They opened sporadic and indiscriminate fire on innocent residents, moving from house to house in what survivors described as a cold, calculated and brutal assault.
By the time the gunmen escaped into the bushes, at least 28 lives had been violently snuffed out, with several others left with serious gunshot injuries.
Grieving families rushed the wounded to hospitals, especially the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), while corpses were deposited in the mortuary.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang later confirmed the death toll at 28, though some local accounts suggested the figure could be slightly higher as more victims succumbed to injuries or additional bodies were recovered.
This latest bloodshed in the heart of the Plateau State capital has left many residents in deep shock and sorrow.
For years, such deadly gunmen attacks were largely confined to rural communities, but the brazen incursion into a bustling urban area like Angwan Rukuba has heightened fears that no part of Jos is now truly safe.
Manji Lakshap, a resident of Tudun Wada community, told Sunday Vanguard he had just left a bar in the area when the gunmen stormed the locality.
“Four persons were killed at the bar,” he said. “It is so unfortunate that this is happening in our community.”
A visit to the community by our correspondent revealed that several families are still torn apart with dreams shattered, and an entire community once again mourning innocent souls lost to senseless violence.
Yet, even in the midst of this profound tragedy and pain, a touching story of compassion and humanity has emerged one that cuts across religious lines and offers a glimmer of hope amid the darkness.
Survivor’s tale of terror, unexpected mercy
Sa’idu Murtala, a garden egg seller from Filin Ball community, told our correspondent that he was going about his usual evening trade in Angwan Rukuba when hell suddenly broke loose.
Murtala recounted the harrowing minutes that changed his life forever.
“I told my friend Hassan, who sells sugarcane, that it was already 7:30pm and we should start heading home,” he said.
“Then a customer approached me, the moment I turned to attend to him at the spot where I displayed my garden eggs, I started hearing gunshots from everywhere.
“People were screaming and running in different directions, desperately looking for any place to hide”.
As chaos engulfed the area, Murtala believed his end had come. Bullets were flying relentlessly, and the sound of gunfire was deafening.
He added: “In that moment of pure panic, a Christian man I had known from my daily business dealings quickly opened his door and pulled me inside his room.
“He hid me in his room and asked his wife to bring food for me.
“He did everything possible to calm my mind throughout that long, fearful night”.
Murtala narrated his story, tears flowing freely down his face: “He knows I am a Muslim because I sell there every single day and leave for my area in the evening.
“My phone, which I had given to someone named Monday for charging, was also safely returned once the situation calmed down.
“All of them knew my faith. I will never forget this man who saved my life when I had already given up.
“The kind neighbour not only provided shelter but also comforted me helping me through the night of terror.
“The following day, he contacted my father, who came to pick me up once it was safe to move around”.
Eyewitnesses narrate their ordeal
Other survivors and residents who spoke to Sunday Vanguard painted even more chilling pictures of the night’s horror, their voices heavy with trauma and disbelief.
Bulus Salami told our correspondent he was in a shop watching an old football game when the shooting started.
“My father was in front of the house taking fresh air”, Salami narrated.
“I initially mistook the gunfire for a routine operation by drug law enforcement agents, something not uncommon in parts of the area.
“As I went out to see what was going on, I saw one of the gunmen shooting a guy.
“I quickly locked the door because there were people inside the shop. When they finished shooting and were leaving, I followed at a distance.
“That was when I saw my father’s bullet riddled body in front of our family house. I entered the house and told my people they had killed our father. They started shouting”.
Lawrence Chufu Adamu, another survivor, narrated his ordeal: “I was at a junction near Gondola when gunshots erupted.
“People started shouting that attackers had come to Angwan Rukuba, killing people.
“We reached the area and saw people running while the terrorists were shooting people down. “Unfortunately, I got information that they had moved to our street. “One of my cousins announced that they had shot my sister. I rushed to check and saw her trying to run for safety.”
Another resident, who identified herself simply as Hannatu, told Sunday Vanguard she was selling chicken and beer outside when the attack began.
“I collected one beer inside and as I came out, I heard shooting down the road,” she narrated emotionally.
“I told my husband to come out so we could lock the shop and run, you need to hear the sound of gun shots.
“Some people outside were shot
“A woman and a boy I knew were killed.
“A lady from Angwari who came to visit her friend was also killed there”.
Comrade Samson Chiroma, a youth leader who spoke during Governor Mutfwang’s visit to the scene, alleged that the attackers came on bikes in military-style attire.
“Our attackers came on bikes in military-style attire,” he stated.
Mr Jerry Akims added that the gunmen operated from house to house, killing innocent citizens.
Many residents initially thought the shooting was linked to drug operations, but the sustained and targeted nature soon made it clear this was something far more sinister.
The attack also left two University of Jos (UNIJOS) students, Patrick Ishaya, a 300-level student of Geography and Planning, and Abel Joro Gershon, a 300-level student of Building as well as Mr. Duguryil Ufialas Daniel, a Hall Officer at the Postgraduate Hostel, injured.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, visited the survivors in hospital accompanied by the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Pankshin, Prof. Noel Wanang, and the Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Rosemary Anga.
Ishaya expressed satisfaction that the victims were responding to treatment and commended JUTH management for their prompt intervention.
He appealed to the university community and Nigerians at large to continue praying for the speedy recovery of the injured and for the restoration of peace.
In response to the security concerns, the university suspended examinations that were scheduled for March 30 and 31, 2026, advising staff and students to remain vigilant while working with security agencies.
Official reactions, government response
Plateau State government swiftly imposed a 48-hour curfew on Jos North Local Government Area, effective from midnight of March 29 to April 1, 2026.
The curfew was announced by the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, who strongly condemned the “barbaric and unprovoked attacks” on innocent citizens.
Governor Mutfwang, who visited the scene of the attack on Monday, was visibly moved and pained.
“I could not sleep since the news of the Sunday night attack broke,” he told residents.
He described the assault as a “heinous and evil act” and vowed that his administration would ensure the perpetrators are fished out and brought to justice without delay.
The governor announced that the state government would organise befitting burial for the deceased victims and take full responsibility for the medical bills of all those injured and receiving treatment in various hospitals.
He appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to join hands with the government in tackling the security challenges.
During a meeting with the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Umar Shehu Nadada, Mutfwang directed security agencies to shift from routine peacekeeping to proactive, intelligence-led operations.
“We are now confronted with an emerging phase of urban terrorism, and this demands a fundamental rethink of our security architecture,” he stated.
The governor also disclosed that security agencies had made some progress, including the arrest of a suspect allegedly involved in spreading inciting information.
Additional personnel, including units of the Police Mobile Force and intelligence operatives, were deployed to the area.
In a related development, Mutfwang received the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Bernard Doro, who paid a condolence visit.
He reiterated that Plateau would not bow to the “blackmail of terror,” describing the attack as a calculated effort by elements unsettled by the growing peace in the state.
He announced plans for strict enforcement of the ban on motorcycle operations often exploited by criminals and emphasised the need for actionable intelligence from residents: “When you see something, say something.”
The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Plateau State chapter, confirmed that four of its members were killed and ten others remained missing.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Dr. Salim Musa Umar, the group said bodies of some victims were identified at JUTH while families had lost contact with the missing persons whose phones were switched off. JNI extended condolences and appreciated the efforts of the state government and security agencies.
The Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), through its President, Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, condemned the attack as another sad episode in the state’s recurring security challenges. He urged authorities to apprehend the perpetrators swiftly.
The Plateau Lawyers Bar Forum, in a press statement signed by Chairman, Ledak Dafer, and Secretary, Niri Darong, described the attack as “dastardly and heartless.”
The lawyers noted it as part of a disturbing pattern affecting areas like Wase, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Jos South, Bassa, and now Jos North.
They called for the prosecution of perpetrators and sponsors, investigation into alleged delayed police response, stricter enforcement against commercial motorcycles, strengthening of Operation Rainbow, installation of solar-powered CCTV cameras, and better urban regulation including removal of illegal motor parks.
Former Plateau Governor and Senator representing Plateau North, Sen. Jonah Jang, queried: “How long shall these killings continue?”, in a statement issued through his media aide, Clinton Garuba.
He described the perpetrators as “agents of darkness” and called for proactive security measures, including accelerated implementation of state police.
He urged youths to exercise restraint and security agencies to hunt down the killers so that justice is not only done but seen to be done.
Fresh tension after curfew relaxation
The 48-hour curfew was later partially relaxed to run from 7am to 3pm daily effective Wednesday, April 1, 2026, to allow residents some normalcy.
However, the easing triggered fresh tension as hoodlums and irate mobs attacked motorists and passers-by in areas including the University of Jos axis, Bauchi Road, Farin Gada, Tina Junction, and Chobe.
A young man was reportedly hacked to death near the road leading to the UNIJOS Permanent Site.
Several motorists had their windscreens smashed as many banks and businesses shut down operations as residents stayed indoors in fear.
The University of Jos Alumni Association, in a statement signed by Global President, Gad Peter Shamaki, expressed deep concern and called for enhanced security deployment across campuses, student hostels, residential areas, and major access routes.
They requested round-the-clock patrols, intelligence-led surveillance, and rapid response units.
Students were advised to stay indoors and report suspicious activities.
Comrade Prince Miaphen, former Acting President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), added his voice through an open letter to the UNIJOS Vice Chancellor, calling for temporary suspension of examinations and academic activities to safeguard lives.
Residents like Joy Bature, a provision shop owner at Terminus Market, voiced their fears: “We are scared to open our shops. We don’t know what might happen.
“The governor has done well by relaxing the curfew, but some people have taken the law into their hands.
“The government needs to do more to ensure our safety.”
Another resident, Ishaku Mark, urged people to consolidate on peace rather than escalate tension and called for those responsible for the renewed unrest to be fished out and dealt with.