By BONIFACE AKARAH

Dozens of persons have been killed in a fresh wave of massacres that swept through Plateau, Kaduna and Taraba states following coordinated attacks on communities during Palm Sunday celebrations.

The incidents, which occurred on March 29, 2026, were detailed in a situation report by the U.S.–Nigeria Civil Society Coalition to End Genocide, citing multiple locations affected by armed assaults.

In Jos, the Plateau State capital, at least 25 civilians were killed when gunmen attacked Anguwan Rukuba community.

“At least 25 civilians were killed when armed assailants stormed the community. Dozens more sustained critical injuries,” the report stated.

In Takum, Taraba State, a police officer was reportedly stabbed to death at a fuel station, while another civilian, identified as Kumater Atornyi, was killed at a market.

The report further noted that two internally displaced persons were ambushed and killed in Atsahaa village while attempting to retrieve food.

“A police officer was fatally stabbed… A civilian… was murdered… Two internally displaced persons were ambushed and killed while attempting to retrieve food for their families,” the Coalition said.

In Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, gunmen attacked a wedding ceremony in Kahir village late at night, killing at least 13 persons and abducting several others.

“At approximately 11:47 p.m., heavily armed bandits attacked a wedding ceremony, killing 13 people and abducting several guests,” the report added.

Survivors were said to have fled into nearby bushland following the attack.

The Coalition described the incidents as part of a recurring pattern of violence targeting vulnerable communities during significant periods.

“These attacks are not isolated incidents of criminality. They reflect a sustained and systematic pattern of violence,” the report stated.

Authorities have yet to issue a comprehensive official casualty figure across the affected states, as investigations into the incidents continue.

•PHOTO: Bereaved mother holding the lifeless body of her son, Promise, a victim of Palm Sunday massacre by suspected Islamist terrorists in Jos, Plateau State

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