Former governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has condemned the deadly attack on Gari Ya Waye community in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North LGA of Plateau State, describing it as “barbaric” and a reflection of deepening insecurity and leadership failure in Nigeria.
In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday morning, Kwankwaso expressed outrage over the incident, which reportedly claimed no fewer than 27 lives and left several others injured.
“The barbaric attack on the Gari Ya Waye community in Angwan Rukuba, Jos, which claimed the lives of no fewer than 27 Nigerians and left many others injured, is yet another tragic and shameful chapter in our nation’s history,” he said.
He decried what he termed the persistent cycle of violence in Plateau State and other parts of the country, warning that the situation should no longer be treated with complacency.
“This senseless bloodshed represents the continuing failure of leadership and the deepening culture of impunity that has turned parts of our country into killing fields,” Kwankwaso stated.
He further stressed that the recurring violence must be addressed with urgency, noting that it had already been declared a national emergency by both federal and state authorities.
“The recurring violence in Plateau State, and indeed across several parts of Nigeria, can no longer be treated as business as usual. It demands to be treated as the national emergency that it was declared to be by the Federal and State Governments,” he added.
Calling for unity and protection of citizens’ rights, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain emphasised that all Nigerians deserved to live in peace, irrespective of their background.
“Our people deserve the right to live in peace, security, and dignity, regardless of their ethnicity or faith,” he said.
Kwankwaso also extended his condolences to the bereaved families and the affected community.
“My heartfelt condolences and prayers go to the families of the victims, the injured, and the entire Gari Ya Waye community in this moment of profound grief,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has confirmed that 28 people were killed in the attack, indicating a higher casualty figure than earlier reported.
In a state broadcast on Tuesday, the governor described the incident as “tragic” and “senseless,” vowing that those responsible would be brought to justice.
“It is with a heavy heart and profound sorrow that I address you today, not only as your Governor but as your son and brother who shares in your anguish following the tragic security incident in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, which occurred on Sunday, 29th March 2026,” Mutfwang said.
“This unfortunate event led to the loss of 28 innocent lives and left many others injured,” he added.
The governor had earlier visited the affected community and some of the victims on Monday, assuring residents of the government’s commitment to restoring peace and preventing further attacks.
According to the police, the attack was reported at about 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, prompting an immediate response led by the Commissioner, who deployed officers alongside other security agencies to restore calm.
Security operatives have since launched coordinated operations, combing nearby bushes in a bid to apprehend the perpetrators.
“As we speak, the police and other security agencies have organised joint operations and are currently combing nearby bushes to ensure that the suspects are arrested or dislodged in accordance with the law,” the police said in a statement on Monday.
The command also confirmed the deployment of additional personnel and operational assets to the area to prevent further breakdown of law and order, while investigations continue.
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