Discrepancies have emerged over the number of killings recorded in Sunday night’s deadly attack on Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, as community leaders and the police give conflicting figures.
The Plateau State Police Command on Monday confirmed that 14 persons died in the attack, which occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on March 29, 2026.
Community leaders insisted the death toll is significantly higher, claiming that no fewer than 27 persons lost their lives.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, an initial 12 persons — comprising 10 men and two women — lost their lives after gunmen opened fire on residents.
Alabo noted that 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, led a delegation of senior officers to the scene, including members of the Command’s Management Team, PMF Squadron Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Team Commanders, alongside other security agencies, to restore normalcy.
The remains of those killed have been taken to the mortuary for autopsy, while investigations are ongoing.
CP Ewah sympathised with residents of Angwan Rukuba and assured the bereaved families that justice would be served.
He also called on members of the public to share credible information that could assist in the investigation.
Meanwhile, community leaders presented a more alarming account. The President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Barrister Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, disclosed that at least 27 persons were feared dead.
According to him, 14 victims died at the scene, while 13 others succumbed to injuries in the hospital.
He added that the bodies had been returned to the community.
The youth leader denounced the attack, describing it as another tragic incident in the ongoing security challenges confronting communities in the state.
He further urged the appropriate authorities to ensure those responsible are swiftly apprehended and prosecuted.
