Disagreement emerges between residents and law enforcement over death toll in Plateau violence

Controversy surrounds the death toll from a deadly attack on Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, with conflicting figures provided by community leaders and the police.

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The Plateau State Police Command confirmed on Monday that 14 people lost their lives in the attack, which occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. on March 29, 2026.

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According to SP Alfred Alabo, the Command's Police Public Relations Officer, an initial 12 people - comprising 10 men and two women - were killed when gunmen opened fire on residents, with two additional corpses recovered on Monday morning.

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The police recovery of the two extra bodies came as teams combed nearby bushes and trailed the fleeing suspects, led by Commissioner of Police CP Bassey Ewah, who was joined by senior officers and other security agencies.

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CP Ewah and his team worked to restore calm in the area, with joint operations ongoing as of Monday, including efforts to dislodge the suspects and make arrests.

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The bodies of the deceased have been taken to the mortuary for autopsy, while the investigation continues, with CP Ewah offering condolences to the people of Angwan Rukuba and assurance that the command will ensure justice is served.

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CP Ewah appealed to the public for useful information to aid the investigation, as the police strive to bring the perpetrators to justice.

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However, community leaders provided a differing account, with Barr Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, stating that at least 27 people are feared dead.

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Mwantiri claimed that 14 victims were killed instantly, while 13 others died later in hospital, with the corpses deposited in the community, according to the youth leader.

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Mwantiri condemned the attack, describing it as another unfortunate episode in the recurring security challenges faced by communities in the state.

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The youth leader urged the authorities to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice without delay, ensuring that the law takes its full course.