Abuja, Nigeria — Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has condemned the killings carried out by armed attackers in Plateau State and Kaduna State, describing the violence as barbaric and unacceptable.
The incidents took place in Angwan Rukuba district of Jos, north central Nigeria, and in Kahir village located in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State in northwestern Nigeria. Several residents were reported killed, while others, including wedding guests, were abducted during the attacks.
In a statement released on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President assured citizens that those responsible would face justice. Okay News reports that the statement emphasised the government’s determination to prevent further escalation of violence in the affected communities.
He said, “Anyone who will sneak under the cover of the night and kill defenceless citizens as done in Jos and Kahir village, is a heartless coward. By attacking soft targets in Jos, their objective is not only to cause harm but also trigger a spiral of reprisal attacks and further bloodletting.”
The Nigerian leader directed security agencies to intensify operations to locate the perpetrators and also urged authorities to counter misinformation capable of worsening tensions. He warned against narratives suggesting that the violence was driven by religious motives.
The President stressed that security forces were actively responding and called for cooperation from the public. “I urge our security agencies to be more proactive in preventing these attacks by acting on early warning intelligence. All the remaining abductees from Kahir village must be rescued immediately,” he said.
Tinubu also commended the governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, and the governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, for their response efforts and support for rescue operations.
“I commend Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State for his efforts in containing the situation in Jos and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for supporting the rescue and containment efforts. I assure the people and government of the two states of my support,” the President said.
He extended condolences to families of those killed and wished the injured quick recovery. The President also reiterated that the federal government of Nigeria is strengthening security operations nationwide, including the acquisition of advanced equipment.
“Our government is currently acquiring more sophisticated equipment to enable our security agencies to track and smash criminals, in real time, wherever they are,” he added.
