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Tag: Jos Attack

  • Gunmen Kill Six, Injure Eight in Fresh Night Attacks Across Plateau Communities

    At least six people have been killed and eight others injured after gunmen launched two separate overnight attacks on communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State, in incidents that have once again deepened fears over rural insecurity in the region.

    The attacks, which happened within hours of each other on Sunday night, left residents in panic as armed men stormed villages, opened fire, and forced families to flee into surrounding bushes for safety.

    How the attacks unfolded

    In the first incident, gunmen invaded the Hurum Gashish community in Barkin Ladi around 10 p.m., shooting sporadically at residents.

    Sources told Vanguard that the attackers operated freely for several minutes, leaving destruction in their wake before escaping.

    In a separate but similar attack, another group of gunmen struck the Shonong Bachi community in Riyom Local Government Area at about 11 p.m., unleashing gunfire on residents.

    Casualties recorded

    Four persons were confirmed dead in the Barkin Ladi attack, while five others sustained injuries.

    In Riyom, two persons were killed and three others injured, bringing the total casualties from both attacks to six dead and eight injured.

    The injured victims are currently receiving treatment in nearby medical facilities, according to local sources.

    Community reaction and concern

    Residents described the attacks as terrifying, noting that many families abandoned their homes in the middle of the night to avoid being caught in the violence.

    The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tenglong, confirmed the incidents and said the communities had been thrown into mourning.

    He condemned the recurring assaults, describing them as alarming and unacceptable.

    Security response

    As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, SP Alfred Alabo, for official confirmation were unsuccessful.

    Security agencies are expected to intensify patrols in the affected areas as tensions remain high.

    The latest attacks add to a growing pattern of violence in parts of Plateau State, where rural communities have continued to suffer repeated deadly raids.

  • Peter Okoye, Paul Okoye, Mr Macaroni Lead Outrage Over Jos Palm Sunday killings

    Nigerian entertainers and public figures have taken to social media to condemn the Palm Sunday massacre in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, where gunmen opened fire on residents on Sunday evening, killing at least 22 people and injuring several others, with many directing their anger at both the Plateau State government and President Bola Tinubu over what they described as a failure to protect Nigerian lives.

    The attack, which occurred around 7:30 p.m. on March 29 at a bar in the Gari Ya Waye community, has sent shockwaves through the country, particularly among entertainers with roots in Plateau State.

    Peter Okoye

    Singer Peter Okoye, who grew up in Plateau State, expressed raw emotion in his reaction on X. “My heart is heavy… My prayers are with my people in Jos,” he wrote, accompanied by a string of broken heart emojis.

    In a separate post that surfaced amid the outrage, Peter also directly questioned the Nigerian government’s response, expressing disbelief that a confirmed death toll of dozens had not prompted a formal presidential address to the nation. He called the administration’s response incompetent and said the recurring tragedies were “unbearably heart-wrenching.”

    Paul Okoye (Rudeboy)

    Paul Okoye, Peter’s twin brother and fellow P-Square alumnus, took a sharper tone. “We are not angry enough!!!” he wrote on X. “Maybe na until God come down to earth.” The singer, who was also born in Plateau State, used his platform to challenge what he described as widespread public passivity in the face of repeated security failures.

    Mr Macaroni

    Comedian and activist Mr Macaroni was the most direct in his criticism of the presidency, writing: “President @officialABAT is running the most useless government in the history of useless governments!!! How many more Nigerians have to die due to this abysmal level of incompetence? Nigerians wake up every day to lament one tragedy or the other. Unbearably heart-wrenching!!!

    In a follow-up post, Mr Macaroni said he could not understand how 40 confirmed deaths in Jos had not prompted the president to address the nation. “Zero accountability, zero responsibility!!!” he wrote.

    Ice Prince

    Jos-born rapper Ice Prince reflected on the community’s long history of suffering. “Since 2001, Jos, Jos, Jos. My people have suffered too much tbh… Thoughts and prayers,” he wrote on X — a reference to the cycle of ethno-religious violence that has plagued the city for over two decades.

    Nathaniel Bassey and Jerry Eze

    Gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey offered prayers rather than political criticism, writing: “JOS! You shall not be broken. The forces of evil in our nation shall never prevail. We shall see their end. It is well with you, Jos. Let there be light!” Pastor Jerry Eze of Streams of Joy International also reacted, calling on divine protection for the community.

    Kunle Remi

    Nollywood actor Kunle Remi, who made headlines last week for speaking out about fuel prices, also added his voice to the chorus of condemnation, describing the attack as deeply painful and calling on the government to take decisive action to protect lives in Plateau State.

    The celebrity reactions came alongside physical protests on the ground. Hundreds of angry residents took to the streets on Monday morning, defying the 48-hour curfew imposed by the Plateau State government, to protest the killings and demand urgent action from authorities. Protesters gathered at the scene of the attack, expressing outrage over the continued loss of lives in the state.

    On social media, users echoed the same frustration. One commenter wrote: “The government in Nigeria has failed over and over again in protecting the lives and property of Nigerians. This government must go.” Another, @Frankline Obi, warned that prolonged insecurity could radicalise youth: “Plateau youths have endured enough pain. When peace is met with bullets, frustration turns to fire.”

    The Gari Ya Waye attack occurred on Palm Sunday, the opening of Holy Week in the Christian calendar, in a predominantly Christian community in Jos North. A 48-hour curfew remains in place across Jos North LGA until April 1, 2026. Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the attack as barbaric and unprovoked and said security agencies had been mobilised, but no arrests had been announced as of Tuesday morning.