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An overnight assault in Nigeria’s north-central region has left at least 20 individuals dead, casting a shadow over Palm Sunday celebrations.
The incident occurred in the Gari Ya Waye community, situated in the Jos North area of Plateau State, as confirmed by Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the state’s commissioner for information.
Details about the number of casualties, both injured and deceased, remain murky, and the identity of those responsible for the horrific event has yet to be determined.
Eyewitnesses shared with The Associated Press that attackers, arriving on motorcycles, unleashed a barrage of gunfire into the community, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 20 lives.
In the aftermath, police officers convened at the scene of the attack in Gari Ya Waye, reflecting the grim reality faced by the community on Monday, March 30, 2026.
International Christian Concern (ICC), a global humanitarian organization, reported the gunmen killed at least 30 people.
ICC also noted at least 10 people were killed earlier Sunday, with humanitarian worker, Alex Barbir, stating on social media that the victims were Christians.
Following the attacks, the Plateau state government imposed a 48-hour curfew.
People gather at the scene of Sunday night attack in Gari Ya Waye community in the Jos North Nigeria, Monday, March 30, 2026. (Samson Omale/AP Photo)
In 2025, the ICC documented the killing of at least 54 Christians in Zikke village near Jos following Palm Sunday celebrations.
More than 100 homes were destroyed during the ambush.
Nigeria is ranked the seventh-worst country in the world for Christian persecution, accounting for 72% of the total number of Christian killings worldwide in 2025, according to Open Doors, a global Christian charity.
People gather in Gari Ya Waye community in the Jos North Nigeria, Monday, March 30, 2026. (Samson Omale/AP Photo)
Last year alone, Open Doors records show 546 Christians were killed in the Plateau State.