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.

The Police Command in Ondo State said it arrested three suspects and rescued three victims in connection with an alleged kidnapping incident in Oda community, Akure South Local Government Area.

Abayomi Jimoh, the command’s spokesperson, who said this in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Akure, explained that the suspects were captured on a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) camera.

Jimoh said the arrest followed the circulation of the CCTV footage on social media showing the abduction of a victim by suspected criminals in Oda Area of Akure.

“Upon receiving the footage, the command immediately activated its intelligence team, leveraging digital surveillance analysis and coordinated field operations to identify and apprehend the suspects.

 “Acting on credible intelligence and investigative leads derived from the footage, operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad carried out targeted operations which led to the arrest of one of the suspects.

 “During interrogation, the suspect provided useful information that led to the subsequent arrest of two other accomplices believed to have played active roles in the incident, and who were also captured on the CCTV footage.

”Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects played various roles in the commission of the alleged kidnapping.

 “The arrested suspects are identified as; Mohammed Koro ‘m’ aged 27yrs, Muhammad Usman ‘m’ aged 30yrs and Musa Alhaji ‘m’ aged 23yrs,” he said.

The spokesperson, however, said operational efforts culminated in the successful rescue of the three victims, who were debriefed and taken to the nearest hospital for medical attention.

According to him, the suspects have made useful confessional statements, which are aiding ongoing efforts to ensure the arrest of other syndicate members.

Jimoh, therefore, said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The spokesperson also said the state Commissioner of Police (CP), Adebowale Lawal, reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to combating crime and criminality, emphasising that Ondo would not serve as a safe haven for criminals.

 “The CP warned that regardless of where suspects choose to hide, they will be relentlessly tracked down and made to face the full weight of the law.

 “He also reassures residents that the command remains fully committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.

“Lawal urged the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with credible and actionable information that can aid ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements,” he said.

Jimoh, therefore, encouraged residents to remain calm and go about their lawful activities, assuring that proactive measures were in place to prevent and combat all forms of criminality within the state.