At least 27 people have been killed in an attack on a largely Christian community in Plateau State on Palm Sunday, according to local sources.
The incident occurred at around 8pm in Angwan Rukuba, in the city of Jos, when unidentified gunmen opened fire at a popular gathering spot. While the full death toll remains unclear, contacts on the ground report that 14 people died at the scene, with a further 13 succumbing to their injuries in hospital. Not all of the victims are believed to be Christians.
A 48-hour curfew has since been imposed. In a statement, Governor Caleb Manasseh Muftwang said the state government “strongly condemns this barbaric and unprovoked attack on innocent citizens” and assured the public that “all necessary measures are being taken to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.”
Christians have been urged to pray over Easter as the situation continues to unfold. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, despite widespread speculation, and local contacts are still working to verify details.
The University of Jos (UNIJOS), located near the affected area, has postponed exams scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.
In a statement, Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the attack. He described it as “barbaric and unprovoked” and said that efforts are underway to apprehend those responsible.
The attack comes just over a week after at least 23 people were killed and more than 100 injured in a series of suspected suicide bombings in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, underscoring the ongoing insecurity affecting parts of the country.
The incident has gained reaction online, with one user condemning the Palm Sunday attack and urging the Nigerian president to do more. In an online video on Sunday, Alex Barbir, a US missionary said “When will you hear the cries of Nigerians, of Christians.”
“You can no longer deny genocide”, he added.
Source: Premier Christian News
