By Adesakin Adefemi
The death toll from Sunday night’s deadly attack on Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State has sparked controversy, with community leaders and the police giving conflicting casualty figures.
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed that 14 persons died in the attack, which occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on March 29, 2026.
However, community leaders told Vanguard that no fewer than 27 persons were feared dead. According to a statement by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, an initial 12 persons – 10 men and two women – were killed when gunmen opened fire on residents.
Alabo said two additional corpses were recovered on Monday morning as police teams combed nearby bushes and trailed the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah, personally led a team of senior officers to the scene in conjunction with other security agencies to restore calm. As of Monday, joint operations were ongoing, with intensified efforts to dislodge the suspects and effect arrests.
The bodies of the deceased have been deposited in the mortuary for autopsy, while investigations continue. CP Ewah commiserated with the people of Angwan Rukuba and assured families of the victims that the command would ensure the law takes its full course.
He appealed to members of the public to provide useful information that could aid the investigation. The police commissioner urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Community leaders, however, painted a grimmer picture. Barr Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), told Vanguard that no fewer than 27 persons were feared dead. Mwantiri claimed that 14 victims were killed on the spot while 13 others later died in hospital.
The youth leader condemned the attack, describing it as another sad episode in the recurring security challenges facing communities in the state. He urged relevant authorities to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice without delay.
The attack has sparked concerns about the security situation in Plateau State, with many calling for increased efforts to protect communities and bring perpetrators to justice. The state government has yet to comment on the incident.
The incident has also raised questions about the effectiveness of security measures in the state, with some residents expressing frustration and anger over the recurring attacks.
