President Bola Tinubu has vehemently condemned the recent barbaric and cowardly attacks perpetrated by gunmen in Angwan Rukuba district, Jos, Plateau State, and Kahir village in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. These acts, which included the killing and abduction of wedding guests in Kaduna, were described by the President as an affront to all that Nigeria represents, assuring citizens that the perpetrators would not escape justice. He characterized those who attack defenseless citizens under the cover of night as heartless cowards, aiming to cause harm and trigger retaliatory violence.

The President has directed security agencies to intensify their efforts to pursue the culprits and those disseminating misinformation that could escalate tensions. He also cautioned certain media outlets against attributing religious motives to the attacks. Tinubu reiterated that security agencies are actively managing the situation and emphasized the critical role of public cooperation in maintaining peace. He urged communities to comply with evacuation and relocation advisories and commended the safe return of two Kaduna victims. Furthermore, he called for security agencies to be more proactive in prevention through early warning intelligence and immediate rescue of remaining abductees from Kahir village. President Tinubu lauded Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for their efforts in containment and rescue, promising federal support and expressing condolences to the bereaved families. He also disclosed that the government is acquiring advanced equipment to track and apprehend criminals in real-time.

The attack on the Gari Ya Waye community in Angwan Rukuba, Jos, occurred on a Sunday evening around 7:30 pm, with gunmen reportedly dressed in military camouflage and riding motorcycles, opening fire indiscriminately. Initial reports indicated 14 fatalities on the spot, with the death toll later rising to 27 as critically injured victims succumbed to their wounds in hospitals. The Plateau State Police Command, however, confirmed 26 deaths and three injured. Residents described the terror, with a youth leader, Samson Chiroma, confirming the 27 deaths and expressing devastation. Victims included a pregnant woman, a school teacher named Pam, and a mechanic named Azi. Survivors recounted the confusion, as some initially mistook the attackers for security agents due to their uniforms. The National President of Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Barr Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, warned that the attacks are escalating to the state capital due to unaddressed issues, indicating a broader insecurity where nobody, including security operatives, is safe.

In the wake of the attacks, angry youths in Angwan Rukuba defied a state-imposed 48-hour curfew, protesting and demanding urgent government action. Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the incident as “barbaric and unprovoked,” pledging to bring those responsible to justice. He visited grieving families, assured that medical expenses for the injured would be covered, and promised dignified burials for the victims, ruling out mass burials. The Governor also noted President Tinubu's awareness of the situation.

Nigerian celebrities and public figures also voiced their outrage. Activist Martins “Verydarkblackman” Otse (VDM) visited the scene, criticizing Minister of Defence Christopher Musa for prioritizing political campaigning over national security. VDM also condemned the government's approach to rehabilitating bandits and Boko Haram, asserting that such groups have eradicated entire families. He called for self-defense, stating that the government would not provide adequate protection, given the long history of unresolved killings in Plateau State. Senior Pastor Johnson Suleman echoed VDM's sentiments, labeling the attacks a