From Jude Dangwam, Jos and Laide Akinboade, Abuja

Nigeria’s fragile security landscape came under renewed strain on Sunday and Monday as coordinated attacks in Plateau, Kaduna, and Zamfara states left scores dead, many injured, and several abducted, sparking outrage, grief, and urgent calls for decisive action.

In Plateau State, at least 27 people were killed in a Palm Sunday attack at Angwan Rukuba Junction in Jos North Local Government Area.

Eyewitnesses said gunmen on a motorbike opened fire indiscriminately from the busy junction to nearby crowded areas, leaving bodies strewn and many others wounded.

Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, who visited the scene on Monday, described the incident as “painful” and vowed that perpetrators would be brought to justice.

He assured families of dignified burials for victims and pledged that the government would cover medical expenses for the injured.

“This is not the pain of a few, it is the pain of all of us,” the governor said, urging residents—especially youths—to remain calm and avoid reprisals.

Security developments quickly followed, with a 48-hour curfew imposed in parts of Jos to prevent further violence. Authorities confirmed that security forces had been deployed in large numbers, while at least one suspect linked to prior threats circulating on social media had been arrested.

Receiving the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Umar Shehu Nadada, Mutfwang called for a shift from routine security responses to intelligence-driven operations, warning of an “emerging phase of urban terrorism.”

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by Daniel Okoh, condemned the killings, describing them as a horrifying violation of a sacred day. The group alleged that attackers disguised themselves in security uniforms and demanded a thorough investigation and swift justice.

Similarly, the Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN) denounced the attack as barbaric and warned that continued inaction could push communities toward self-defense.

While Plateau reeled from the massacre, violence spread elsewhere.

In Kaduna State, bandits attacked a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, Kagarko Local Government Area, killing 13 people and abducting several others. Residents said the heavily armed assailants operated for nearly an hour, looting shops and leaving many injured. Victims were rushed to local hospitals, while security agencies launched investigations into the incident.

Meanwhile, in Zamfara State, armed bandits raided Dangoro village in Bungudu Local Government Area, killing three people, abducting residents—mostly women—and setting homes and food stores ablaze. Security operatives engaged the attackers in a gun battle, eventually repelling them, though not before significant destruction was recorded.

Police spokesperson Yazid Abubakar confirmed the attack, noting that several injured victims are receiving treatment, while efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators.

Across the affected regions, the incidents underscore Nigeria’s widening security challenges—from urban terror-style attacks to rural banditry—stretching security forces and heightening fears among citizens.

Despite assurances from authorities, residents and stakeholders say the persistence of such coordinated violence highlights the urgent need for stronger, proactive security strategies to safeguard lives and restore public confidence.

From Dan Amasingha, Minna

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed 10 deaths in a road crash on Monday, along the Tafa axis of Niger state.

FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement issued by Acting Corps Public Education Officer, Felicia Kalu, in Abuja.

Mohammed said the crash occurred about 8:20 a.

m. on the Tafa–Gujeni route at Malam Tanko, leaving 20 injured and three rescued unhurt.

According to him, the crash fell within the operational coverage of RS7.26A Tafa Outpost and involved a DAF tanker, registration number FKY136XD.

“The vehicle was conveying 33 male occupants at the time of the incident.

 “Preliminary investigations revealed that 10 persons died, 20 sustained injuries, while three were rescued unhurt.

“Available evidence indicates the crash was caused by excessive speed, leading to loss of control.

“More disturbing is that the vehicle engaged in illegal mixed loading, carrying goods and passengers together,” he said.

He said FRSC operatives responded promptly, rescued 23 victims alive and cleared the obstruction to restore traffic flow.

The corps marshal said the injured were taken to Umar Musa General Hospital, Sabon Wuse, while the deceased were deposited at the mortuary.

Mohammed described the crash as avoidable, calling it “a painful reminder of the consequences of traffic violations”.

He stressed that “no journey is worth the loss of human lives” and condemned disregard for safety advisories.

He reiterated the corps’ commitment to intensify enforcement and public enlightenment campaigns nationwide.

Mohammed emphasised the need to curb speeding and end the practice of mixed loading on highways.

He advised drivers to obey safety regulations, maintain speed limits and avoid using unsuitable vehicles for passengers.

The corps marshal extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

He urged the public to remain safety conscious, noting that road safety is a shared responsibility.

By David Torough, Abuja

Nigeria’s deepening security crisis has come under renewed scrutiny following a damning report by International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, which estimates that more than 190,000 people have been killed in terror-related violence over the past 17 years.

The report, released by the group’s chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi, attributes the deaths to the activities of Boko Haram insurgents, armed bandits, and suspected herdsmen between July 2009 and March 2026.

It further claims that over 131,000 Nigerians were abducted within the same period, with thousands either killed in captivity, forced into extremist ideologies, or still missing.

According to the group, the violence has taken a heavy toll on both Christians and moderate Muslims, while entire communities across states such as Borno, Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, and Adamawa have faced repeated attacks, displacement, and destruction.

The grim statistics come as fresh violence underscores the persistent insecurity. In Kwara State, gunmen attacked a worship centre belonging to the Evangelical Church of West Africa in Ifelodun Local Government Area, abducting eight worshippers during a service. Authorities confirmed that three victims escaped, while five remain in captivity as security operatives intensify rescue efforts.

The attack highlights growing concerns over the targeting of religious centres and vulnerable rural communities, even in regions previously considered relatively calm.

Amid mounting pressure, President Bola Tinubu has pledged intensified action to tackle insecurity, describing it as the most pressing challenge facing his administration. Speaking after high-level engagements with governors and international partners, the President revealed that Nigeria has secured military cooperation from Emmanuel Macron, including support for equipment and training.

Tinubu said his government is exploring multiple international partnerships to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, following recent discussions in the United Kingdom and subsequent diplomatic contacts with France. He emphasised that defeating terrorism and criminality is essential for national development and economic stability.

The President also directed increased investment in technology and logistics for security forces, while urging state governors to support federal efforts and prioritise the welfare of vulnerable citizens affected by both insecurity and rising economic pressures.

The latest developments come on the heels of recent attacks in the North-East, including deadly bombings in Maiduguri, reinforcing fears that insurgent groups remain capable of carrying out coordinated assaults despite ongoing military operations.

Security analysts warn that without decisive and sustained action, Nigeria risks further escalation of violence, as communities continue to grapple with killings, abductions, and mass displacement across multiple regions.