By George Ozalla
Residents of Gari Ya Waye in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State are counting their losses after gunmen attacked the community on Sunday night, killing many and leaving several others injured.
The incident happened hours after Palm Sunday services, when most families had returned home and the area had begun to settle for the night. Survivors said the attackers came in quietly but struck with speed, moving through parts of the community and shooting at close range. The sound of gunfire sent people running in different directions, with many forced to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
By Monday morning, the scale of the attack began to emerge. Local sources put the number of those killed at over 20, although the figure was still being reviewed as search efforts continued. Some families were still looking for missing relatives, while others had begun preparations for burial.
Those injured were taken to hospitals in Jos, where medical workers struggled to cope with the influx. Community members also joined in rescue efforts, helping to move victims and account for those unaccounted for.
There was visible tension across the area as news of the killings spread. Many residents expressed anger and frustration, saying the attack came without warning and that there was little immediate response as the situation unfolded. Some described it as one of the most frightening nights the community has experienced in recent times.
The Plateau State Government confirmed the incident and announced a curfew in parts of Jos North to prevent further breakdown of order. Security personnel were later deployed to the area, with patrols seen across affected communities.
No group has been officially linked to the attack, but incidents of this nature have become familiar across parts of Plateau State. Communities in and around Jos have repeatedly come under attack over the years, often leaving behind heavy casualties and displacement.
In recent times, villages across Bokkos, Mangu and Barkin Ladi have recorded similar incidents, with entire communities forced to abandon their homes after deadly raids. The pattern has remained largely the same. Attacks come at night, targets are often rural settlements, and the aftermath is usually marked by grief, anger and unanswered questions.
The latest killings in Gari Ya Waye add to that long list. For many residents, it is not just another incident, but a continuation of a cycle that has yet to be broken.
