Tragedy struck Nigeria’s north-central region on Palm Sunday as a violent attack claimed the lives of at least 20 individuals. The incident unfolded overnight in the Gari Ya Waye community located in the Jos North area of Plateau State, as confirmed by Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the state’s commissioner for information.

The attack left the community in shock, with details about the number of casualties still emerging. The perpetrators of this brutal assault remain unidentified, leaving many questions unanswered about the motive behind this senseless violence.

Eyewitnesses recounted to The Associated Press that the attackers arrived on motorcycles and indiscriminately opened fire, wreaking havoc and leaving a trail of devastation. The gunmen’s ruthless actions resulted in the deaths of at least 20 residents, according to local testimonies.

Images from the aftermath show police officers assessing the scene on Monday, March 30, 2026, trying to piece together the events of the previous night. The community is left reeling from the shock and grief of the attack.

Adding to the grim toll, International Christian Concern (ICC), an organization dedicated to global humanitarian efforts, reported that the number of fatalities might be even higher, suggesting that at least 30 people lost their lives in this tragic event.

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.