Devastating attacks in Plateau and Borno leave survivors grief-stricken after tragedies claim fiancé, family members in span of just one day

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang visited injured victims receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, following a devastating attack that left many dead.

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A heart-wrenching story has emerged of Yohanna, one of the 21 victims killed in the attack, who was just two days away from his wedding, slated for Wednesday, April 1.

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A resident of Kautikari village, where the attack occurred, recounted the horrific events of the evening of Monday, March 30, describing how the community was invaded by armed members of Boko Haram terrorists.

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The attack resulted in the deaths of 21 people, including a Commander of Hunters, Mallam Bumto, and left many others injured, with foodstuffs and livestock looted by the attackers.

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Kautikari village, located in the Chibok local government area of Borno State, has witnessed a series of deadly Boko Haram attacks in the past and is predominantly a Christian and agrarian community.

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A Kautikari indigene, Mr. James Yakubu, who escaped the attack, stated that the attackers, large in numbers, invaded the community at about 6:56pm, wreaking havoc without confrontation due to the absence of troops or security operatives in the area.

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Yakubu emphasized the need for the military's permanent presence in Kautikari village, especially during this critical period of attacks, to prevent future incidents.

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A cousin of Yohanna, Mr. Chiroma Aliyu, expressed his grief over the loss, stating that the family had made all necessary arrangements for Yohanna's wedding, which was scheduled to take place in Kautikari on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

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Miss Glory Kautikari, a relative of Yohanna, was also deeply traumatized by his killing, having made plans to attend his wedding, which was now replaced with mourning and funeral arrangements.

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Sergeant Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, extended his sympathies to the families of the 22 civilians killed by the suspected terrorists and prayed for the victims' eternal rest and the injured ones' quick recovery.

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Ndume stressed that the military lacks the necessary firepower to combat the Boko Haram atrocities in the North-East and urged the Federal Government to procure sophisticated weapons to confront the terrorists.

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On Palm Sunday, the densely populated Gari Ya Waye area in Angwan Rukuba community, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, was attacked by heavily armed gunmen, resulting in the deaths of at least 28 residents.

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The attack, which occurred around 7:30 pm on Sunday, March 29, 2026, was carried out by gunmen who arrived in large numbers on motorcycles, many dressed in military-style attire, and opened sporadic and indiscriminate fire on innocent residents.

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Survivors and residents recounted the horrific events of the night, describing the cold, calculated, and brutal assault, which left many families torn apart and an entire community mourning innocent souls lost to senseless violence.

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A touching story of compassion and humanity emerged amidst the tragedy, as a Christian man saved the life of a Muslim garden egg seller, Sa'idu Murtala, by hiding him in his room and providing comfort throughout the night of terror.

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Murtala expressed his gratitude to the kind neighbour who saved his life, stating that he would never forget the man's selfless act, which transcended their religious differences.

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Other survivors, including Bulus Salami and Lawrence Chufu Adamu, shared their harrowing experiences, recounting the moments of pure panic and terror as the gunmen attacked their community.

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A resident, Hannatu, who was selling chicken and beer outside when the attack began, described the sound of gunshots and the chaos that ensued, resulting in the deaths of several people, including a woman and a boy she knew.

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Comrade Samson Chiroma, a youth leader, alleged that the attackers came on bikes in military-style attire, operating from house to house and killing innocent citizens.

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The attack also left two University of Jos students, Patrick Ishaya and Abel Joro Gershon, injured, along with Mr. Duguryil Ufialas Daniel, a Hall Officer at the Postgraduate Hostel.

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The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, visited the survivors in hospital, expressing satisfaction with their treatment and commending the JUTH management for their prompt intervention.

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In response to the security concerns, the university suspended examinations scheduled for March 30 and 31, 2026, advising staff and students to remain vigilant while working with security agencies.

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The Plateau State government imposed a 48-hour curfew on Jos North Local Government Area, effective from midnight of March 29 to April 1, 2026, following the attack.

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Governor Caleb Mutfwang visited the scene of the attack, condemning the "barbaric and unprovoked attacks" on innocent citizens and vowing to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice without delay.

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Mutfwang announced that the state government would organize a befitting burial for the deceased victims and take full responsibility for the medical bills of all those injured and receiving treatment in various hospitals.

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The governor appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to join hands with the government in tackling the security challenges, and directed security agencies to shift from routine peacekeeping to proactive, intelligence-led operations.