LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- In the wake of the Palm Sunday attacks that turned deadly in Angwan Rukuba, a community in Jos North LGA of Plateau State, and in Kagarko, Kaduna State, grief and anger are spilling over, sharpened by the sense that this violence is neither new nor ending.
The victims and those who share their grief are reeling, not just from the lives lost, but from the relentless attacks on Christians and their communities.
Social media has become a platform of protest for those unable to join residents who have taken to the streets in large numbers. Influencers, celebrities, and everyday users are united in condemning the attacks, which have claimed over 40 lives, left many injured, and caused deep emotional and psychological trauma.
What should have been a day of light took a dark and bloody turn. A moment meant for triumph left its celebrants utterly defeated and defenseless. Palm Sunday, a day celebrated by Christians to mark Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, signaling the beginning of Holy Week, became something else entirely.
Similar incidents have been reported in the past. In April 2024, violence struck the farming community of Tilengpan in Mangu Local Government Area. In April 2025, Zikke village in Bassa, west of Plateau State’s capital, Jos, also experienced deadly attacks shortly after Palm Sunday.
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For residents of Angwan Rukuba, Sunday, March 29, will now be remembered as the day celebration turned into mourning. According to reports, armed gunmen stormed the community and opened fire on unsuspecting residents, many of whom were caught in the crossfire.
Eyewitness accounts circulating online claim the attackers went as far as finishing off the wounded with machetes. Videos and images show visibly distressed survivors, but the most difficult to watch are those mourning their loved ones.
A rallying video captures a woman clutching her bloodied son tightly to her chest, refusing to let go. An indescribable anguish is etched across her face as her expression outlines a depth of pain words cannot capture.
“My son, please wake up. Wake up, I know you’re there. My son, you’re not dead. Promise isn’t dead. My son, wake up,” she cried in her native dialect, pleading for him to come back to her.
Another clip shows a woman wailing in anguish over the loss of her husband and son, while other videos capture similarly devastating scenes from the incident.
In response, the Plateau State Government imposed a 48-hour curfew across Jos North, effective from midnight on March 29 through April 1, in a bid to prevent a further breakdown of law and order. Despite this, residents took to the streets in protest, calling for improved security and an end to the violence and insecurity affecting the region.
However, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s visit to Angwan Rukuba sparked outrage online. Many criticized him for addressing residents from within an armored vehicle, surrounded by security personnel. This, in turn, fueled criticism of the perceived ineffectiveness and “hypocrisy” of the Nigerian police, who reportedly fled during the attacks, particularly given reports that a police station was located near the scene of the attack.
Clips from the visit showed residents shouting over the governor as he attempted to speak. “You people should remain calm so I can speak here. The attack that happened last night is very terrible, I didn’t even sleep after hearing about it,” he said, as voices from the crowd grew louder.
In a separate video, social activist Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, who spent much of his life in Jos, visited a mortuary where victims of the attack were taken. He reported that those killed included children, youths, a pregnant woman, and elderly individuals.
He also urged residents to take steps to protect themselves, saying, “People of Angwan Rukuba, gather anything and defend yourselves. I know they’ll say I’m encouraging violence, but do everything to protect yourselves.”
Thespians like Kunle Remi have urged Nigerians to mark the President’s birthday by sharing the devastating clips online to draw his attention. Meanwhile, Opeyemi Aiyeola called on colleagues who are openly campaigning for the President’s reelection to “speak up and do the right thing.”
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In a broader push for accountability, Zubby Michael suggested that “Christians should leave Jos,” a statement that sparked mixed reactions, with many questioning why they should be forced to abandon their homeland after building their lives there, especially in the absence of government support.
Beyond Nigeria, the cries are heard as loud and as clear. A United States congressman, Riley Moore, condemned the killings on X, warning that such incidents could strain diplomatic relations if not addressed decisively.
Online users are also calling out the growing trend of religious leaders who urge citizens to pray, yet fail to use their platforms to speak out against the persecution of believers.
From grieving homes to restless timelines, the wails of those affected echo far beyond Plateau State. The loss is heavy, the pain is tangible, and the questions remain. For now, concerned citizens and aid groups continue to support those left behind, rallying together to support those left behind.
