Angwa Rukuba Attack: Suspected Killers Face Terrorism Charges, Trial Adjourned to April 30

The Plateau State government on Thursday arraigned four suspects arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) over their alleged involvement in the April 2026 killings in Angwa Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of the state.

The case was, however, adjourned to April 30, with Justices Danladi Longden and Gegeliah Fwomyon of Courts 9 and 12 respectively ordering that the suspects be remanded in DSS custody.
It would be recalled that following the Angwa Rukuba killings, Bola Tinubu visited Jos earlier in the month, assuring residents that justice would be served.
The Plateau State government filed charges bordering on criminal conspiracy to commit terrorism and other related offences against Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar (also known as Auwalu Dogo), and Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (also known as Yaroro).
Meanwhile, Adamu Isa Alhassan, who was arraigned separately in Court 9, faces charges of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms, and unlawful dealing in arms and ammunition. The suspects were arrested between April 3 and April 10, 2026.
The State Attorney General, Philemon Audu Daffi, who is prosecuting the case, stated that the alleged offences contravene Sections 269 and 270 of the Penal Code Law of Plateau State, 2017.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly conspired on March 28, 2025, in Farin Gada, Jos North LGA, where they planned, organized, facilitated, and financed the attack on Angwa Rukuba.
They were also accused of carrying out acts of terrorism that resulted in the deaths of over 30 persons within the jurisdiction of the court.
Further details of the charges against Alhassan revealed that he, alongside several others still at large, allegedly carried out a series of attacks between January and December 2025, and in January 2026, across communities including Gwang, Rin Ward, Bachit, Bangai in Riyom LGA, and Vom in Jos South LGA, leading to multiple deaths.
It would be recalled that on March 28, 2025, at least 30 persons, including children, were killed when suspected herders attacked communities in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs of the state.
Following the tragic incident, calls emerged for the cancellation of the “Experience Plateau, Arts Meets Fashion” programme. However, Governor Caleb Mutfwang rejected the calls, insisting that suspending the event would align with the attackers’ objectives.
The governor stated that the attackers intended to instill fear, force residents indoors, and weaken the collective spirit of the people, emphasizing that life must continue despite the violence.
He further described the attacks as genocide rather than a farmer-herder conflict and urged the international community to take note.
During his visit, President Tinubu met with victims, assessed the extent of the damage, and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring justice.
He also encouraged residents to remain vigilant, expressing optimism that ongoing interventions would restore lasting peace in the state.