[UPDATE] Death Toll Climbs to 27 in Brutal Gunmen Attack on Jos Community as Survivors Recount Horror

By Tgnews Reporter

The death toll from the deadly attack on Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State has risen to 27, with grieving residents painting a harrowing picture of gunmen who stormed the area dressed in military camouflage and opened indiscriminate fire on innocent civilians.

The assault occurred around 7:30pm on Sunday, March 29, 2026, turning a lively evening into a scene of chaos and bloodshed. Eyewitnesses reported that at least 14 people were killed instantly, while many others sustained gunshot wounds.

By Monday, 13 of the injured victims had succumbed to their injuries in hospital, bringing the confirmed fatalities to 27. Among the dead was a pregnant woman.

Community youth leader Samson Chiroma described the sudden terror: “Twenty-seven persons lost their lives, including a pregnant woman. The community was still lively when we suddenly heard gunshots. People started running, and many were hit.”

Other survivors shared personal tragedies. One resident recounted discovering his friend, Pam, a school teacher and peace-loving man, lying in a pool of blood. “He was a good man. This is heartbreaking,” he said.

Another spoke of losing a mechanic identified as Azi, just hours after they had parted ways. “He was full of life… Now he is gone. His family is shattered.”

Many residents initially mistook the attackers — who arrived on motorcycles — for security operatives due to their camouflage uniforms, only realising the danger too late as gunfire erupted everywhere.

A food vendor simply known as Rose recounted the trauma: “They looked like security agents at first. Before we understood what was happening, they started shooting everywhere. People were falling. It was terrifying.”

The attack has sparked outrage and fresh demands for stronger security measures. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a strongly worded statement on social media, called on the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, to act decisively.

“Angwan Rukuba is another brutal reminder that Nigerians remain unprotected,” she wrote. Referencing the Defence Minister’s assurances during his Senate screening, she added: “Well, prove NOW you are different and secure lives, or step aside. Enough of condolences. Enough of excuses. Nigerians want action, protection, and results!”

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang visited the affected community on Monday with a heavy heart. In a post on X, he expressed solidarity with the grieving families: “Your pain is my pain, and the pain of Plateau State.”

The governor vowed that the perpetrators would face justice: “I assure you that those responsible for this evil act will not go unpunished. My administration will pursue justice relentlessly until the perpetrators are brought to book.”

He further announced that the state government would cover all medical bills for the injured and ensure dignified burials for the deceased, rejecting any notion of mass burials.

The governor urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to collaborate with the government to restore peace, stressing that security is a shared responsibility.

In response to the violence, the Plateau State Government has imposed a 48-hour curfew in Jos North Local Government Area to prevent further escalation and allow security forces to restore calm.

This latest incident has intensified calls for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security strategy in the region, where recurring attacks continue to claim innocent lives despite repeated assurances from authorities.

Residents of Angwan Rukuba remain in deep mourning, demanding not just words of sympathy but concrete action to safeguard vulnerable communities.