Mutfwang verifies death toll of 28 after armed assailants strike Angwan Rukuba community

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State confirmed on Tuesday that a total of 28 people lost their lives in a deadly attack by gunmen on the Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area.

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This confirmation was made in a statewide broadcast, following the assault that occurred on Sunday evening at around 7:30 pm in the Gari Ya Waye area of the community.

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Describing the incident as a "senseless attack" on law-abiding citizens, Mutfwang visited the scene of the attack and the Jos University Teaching Hospital where survivors are receiving treatment, accompanied by security chiefs.

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The governor announced that 28 innocent lives were lost in the attack, and several others sustained injuries, with the state government set to bear the full cost of medical treatment for the injured.

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The state government will also provide necessary support, including dignified burials, for the families of the deceased, with the governor ruling out any mass burial for the victims.

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In response to the incident, a 48-hour curfew was imposed on Jos North LGA, effective from midnight on Sunday, March 29, to April 1, 2026, to enable security agencies to conduct thorough operations and restore normalcy.

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The curfew will be reviewed periodically, according to the governor, who commended residents, community leaders, and youths for exercising restraint and refusing to retaliate.

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Mutfwang described the maturity shown by the residents as commendable, and revealed that security agencies have already apprehended a suspect who had earlier issued threats against the state.

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The governor vowed that all perpetrators would be brought to justice and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, as part of efforts to ensure that justice is served.

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To further strengthen security, the governor convened a State Security Council meeting and directed strict enforcement of the existing ban on commercial motorcycle operators within the Jos Greater Master Plan.

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The Commissioner of Police has been tasked with issuing detailed guidelines on the enforcement of the ban, as part of measures to prevent similar incidents.

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The governor urged citizens to remain vigilant, report suspicious movements to security agencies, and resist any temptation to take the law into their own hands.

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Mutfwang called on community leaders, youths, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to partner with the government in promoting dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

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The governor assured that his administration remains committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring lasting peace in Plateau State, which he described as a beacon of harmonious living.

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Mutfwang prayed for comfort for the bereaved families, speedy recovery for the injured, and enduring peace for the state, in the aftermath of the tragic incident.