By ifeoma Onyekachi

The Federal Government has pledged to bring perpetrators of the Palm Sunday killings in Jos, Plateau State, to justice, while unveiling new security measures aimed at preventing further attacks in the North-Central region.

The attack, which occurred in Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area, left 28 people dead and several others injured, drawing widespread condemnation from government officials, professional bodies and civil society organisations.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the killings and assured Nigerians that those responsible would be arrested and prosecuted. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president described the attackers as cowards who targeted innocent and defenceless citizens under the cover of darkness.

He said the objective of such attacks was often to provoke reprisal violence and escalate communal tensions, urging security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and act on early warning signals to prevent future attacks. He also directed security agencies to rescue remaining abductees from Kahir village in Kaduna State and curb the spread of misinformation that could worsen tensions.

The president commended Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for their efforts in managing the security situation and supporting rescue operations. He also expressed condolences to families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Plateau Will Not Bow to Terror – Governor

Governor Mutfwang, in a statewide broadcast, confirmed that 28 people were killed in the Angwan Rukuba attack and declared that Plateau State would not succumb to fear or intimidation.

He said the state would remain united and resilient despite the tragedy and assured residents that the government would continue working with security agencies to restore peace and prevent further violence.

The killings were also condemned by the Nigerian Bar Association, which described the Palm Sunday attack as gruesome, unacceptable and a violation of the fundamental right to life.

FG Reveals Security Response and Next Line of Action

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said security agencies responded swiftly to the attack under Operation Enduring Peace, a special military security operation in Plateau State.

According to the minister, troops were immediately deployed to the affected community after emergency calls, secured the area, blocked key access routes and launched search-and-clear operations to apprehend the attackers.

He explained that the operation is part of a broader Federal Government security strategy across Plateau State and the wider North-Central region. The strategy includes intelligence-driven military operations, increased troop deployment in vulnerable communities, joint military and police patrols, enhanced surveillance and improved rapid response systems.

Security experts note that Plateau State has experienced recurring violence over the years, often linked to farmer-herder conflicts, ethnic tensions, land disputes and reprisals, making the state one of the most volatile areas in Nigeria’s North-Central region.

The Federal Government said the ongoing security operations are aimed at neutralising criminal groups, preventing further attacks and restoring lasting peace in affected communities.

Officials also emphasised the importance of cooperation between local communities and security agencies, especially through intelligence sharing and early warning systems, to prevent future attacks.