40 people killed in nighttime attack in Jos

News Update

Reports indicate that 40 people were killed, but according to the police, recorded 14.

The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed that 12 persons were killed in Sunday night’s attack by gunmen in Angwan Rukuba community, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The confirmation was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the command’s spokesperson, Alabo Alfred. The victims were identified as 10 men and two women, with additional bodies discovered during follow-up operations.

“The Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, Bassey Ewah, commiserates with the people of Angwan Rukuba Community over the unfortunate attack which took place on March 29, 2026, and claimed the lives of twelve (12) persons—ten (10) men and two (2) women,” the statement read.

“As of this morning, an additional two corpses were found while our men were combing the bushes and trailing the suspects for possible arrest,” it added.

The police disclosed that the incident was reported at about 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, prompting an immediate response led by the Commissioner of Police.

“At about 8:30 p.m. on March 29, 2026, the command received a distress call reporting that gunshots were heard around the Angwan Rukuba axis. Upon receipt of this report, the Commissioner of Police personally led a team of officers in conjunction with other security agencies to the scene of the incident to reduce tension and restore calm in the area,” the statement said.

Security agencies have since launched coordinated operations to track down the attackers, with personnel combing surrounding bushes to apprehend the suspects.

“As we speak, the police and other security agencies have organised joint operations and are currently combing nearby bushes to ensure that the suspects are arrested or dislodged in accordance with the law,” the statement noted.

The remains of the victims have been evacuated to the mortuary for autopsy, while efforts are ongoing to confirm their identities.

While expressing condolences to the affected families, the police assured that investigations were underway to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“He therefore calls on all citizens with accurate and useful information to contact the command immediately.

The Command also confirmed the deployment of additional security personnel to the area to prevent further violence.

“The Plateau State Police Command grieves with the Government of Plateau State and the people of Angwan Rukuba Community. Additional deployment of manpower and operational assets has been made to the area to forestall any further breakdown of law and order,” the statement said.