NIGERIA: Suspects Of Recent Angwan Rukuba Killings Arraigned In Court Amid Tight Security

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Suspected bandits linked to the deadly Angwan Rukuba killings in Plateau State were on Thursday arraigned before the Plateau State High Court of Justice under tight security, in what authorities describe as a major step toward securing justice for victims of the March 29 attack.

The suspects, four in number, were brought to court following their arrest by operatives of the Department of State Services. A video circulated by TVC News showed the accused arriving at the court premises on Thursday, amid heavy security presence, and heightened public attention.

Their arraignment comes after weeks of coordinated operations by security agencies in response to the killings that shook residents of Jos North Local Government Area.

The incident occurred on the night of March 29, when heavily armed gunmen invaded Gari Ya Waye, a settlement in the Angwan Rukuba community.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers, numbering more than 20, stormed the area between 7:30 pm and 8:00 pm, opening fire indiscriminately on residents. By the time security forces restored calm, at least 28 people had been confirmed dead, while several others sustained injuries.

Survivors were rushed to the Jos University Teaching Hospital for urgent medical attention. The scale of the violence drew widespread condemnation across the country.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who visited the affected community shortly after the incident, described the killings as a senseless attack on law-abiding citizens and assured residents of the government’s commitment to restoring peace.

The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, also condemned the attack, describing it as unfortunate and extending condolences to the bereaved families. He subsequently ordered the deployment of additional security personnel to the troubled area.

In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, the police high command confirmed that the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, Umar Shehu Nadada, had been deployed to Plateau State to assess the situation and coordinate security efforts.

The statement added that tactical teams, Police Mobile Force units, and intelligence operatives were mobilised to strengthen security architecture and prevent further breakdown of law and order in the state.

The arraignment is expected to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the attack, as judicial proceedings begin in one of the most devastating incidents recorded in Plateau

State in recent times.