Police Confirm 14 Killed In Plateau Attack

The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed that 14 persons, including two women, were killed in Sunday attack on Anguwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah, said the command is currently trailing the suspects with a view to arresting them.

He also commiserated with families of the victims and assured that efforts were ongoing to restore calm in the affected area.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alabo Alfred, 12 persons were initially confirmed dead at the scene, comprising 10 men and two women, while two additional bodies were later recovered during a search of surrounding bushes.

“At about 8:30pm on 29 March 2026, the Command received a distress call reporting gunshots around Angwan Rukuba axis,” the statement said.

It added that the Commissioner of Police immediately led a team comprising senior officers, tactical commanders, and personnel of other security agencies to the scene to contain tension and restore order.

“Upon receipt of this report, the Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command personally led a team of officers comprising of members of the Command’s Management Team, PMF Squadron Commanders, DPOs and Tactical Team Commanders within the Metropolis in conjunction with members of other security agencies to the scene of the incidence to reduce tension and restore calm in the general area.

“As we speak, the Police and all other security agencies within the State have organized a joint operations and are currently combing the nearby bushes to ensure that the suspects are arrested or dislodged in accordance with the law. The corpses of the deceased have been evaluated to the mortuary for autopsy and efforts are being intensified to arrest the culprits,” the statement said.

The police said investigations were ongoing and called on residents with useful information to assist the operation, adding that additional security deployment had been made to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

Meanwhile, the President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Barrister Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, gave a different account, saying no fewer than 27 persons were feared killed in the attack.

He said 14 victims died at the scene while 13 others reportedly died later in hospital.

He described the incident as another painful episode in the recurring security challenges affecting communities in the state.

Mwantiri called on security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice without delay.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers, who rode on motorcycles, stormed the community around 7:30pm while residents were going about their activities, opening fire indiscriminately and causing panic.

In the aftermath, irate youths reportedly blocked the road and attacked some motorcycle riders and passengers. (Daily trust)