27 killed in devastating attack in Nigeria on Palm Sunday

Please pray for all those affected by another attack in Nigeria, this time on a popular gathering spot in a predominantly Christian community in Plateau State.

At least 27 people have been killed in an attack on a mostly Christian community in Plateau State, Nigeria, on Palm Sunday. 

The incident happened at around 8pm, when unidentified gunmen opened fire at a popular gathering spot in Angwan Rukuba in the city of Jos. The death toll is unclear, but according to local contacts, 14 died at the scene and 13 died in hospital. Not all victims are Christians.  

A 48-hour curfew has since been implemented and, in a statement, Governor Caleb Manasseh Muftwang said the state government ‘strongly condemns this barbaric and unprovoked attack on innocent citizens and assures the public that all necessary measures are being taken to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice’.  

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At this stage, nobody has claimed responsibility for the attack, despite much speculation. Contacts on the ground are still gathering information.  

The University of Jos (UNIJOS), which is in the affected area, has postponed exams scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, according to reports. 

The tragic incident comes more than a week after at least 23 people were killed and more than 100 were injured in a series of suspected suicide attacks in Maidduguri, the capital of Borno State, and reinforces the insecurity affecting many parts of Nigeria.  

Please continue to lift the nation in your prayers. With Holy Week underway, which can add to the vulnerability of believers in Nigeria and elsewhere worldwide, please pray for the protection of our brothers and sisters as they gather to remember Jesus’ death and resurrection. Thank you.