The Makinde Jos visit has brought renewed attention to the families affected by the deadly March 29 attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos, Plateau State, as the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate expressed sympathy for survivors and called for stronger measures to address insecurity across Nigeria.
Makinde visited the community on Sunday, November 8, where he met residents who lost relatives during the attack and listened to their experiences several months after the tragedy.
The incident claimed 33 lives, according to the Plateau State Government, making it one of the major security incidents that attracted national attention in Plateau State in 2026.
During the visit, Makinde met several bereaved families, including Favour Ayuba, whose son died during the attack. His meeting with the grieving mother highlighted the personal consequences of the violence and the difficulties families continue to face after losing their loved ones.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the APM candidate to discuss Nigeria’s security challenges and outline his position on the need for stronger protection of vulnerable communities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde Visits Families of Angwan Rukuba Attack Victims
The Makinde Jos visit focused largely on families who continue to deal with the consequences of the March 29 killings, particularly those who lost children and other close relatives.
One of the families he visited was that of Favour Ayuba, whose son, Promise Gideon Ayuba, was among the victims of the attack.
Ayuba previously attracted public attention after a video circulated showing her mourning her son and demanding justice for his death. Her reaction reflected the anger, grief and frustration experienced by several families following the incident.
Makinde’s meeting with the family brought attention back to their experiences and the need to support communities affected by violent attacks.
The March 29 incident occurred in Angwan Rukuba, where armed men reportedly invaded the community and opened fire on residents. The attackers targeted people in different parts of the neighbourhood, leaving several households devastated.
Following the killings, residents raised concerns about the safety of their community and called for stronger security measures to prevent similar incidents.
The Plateau State Government subsequently confirmed that 33 people died in the attack. The death toll intensified public concern about the security situation in the state and renewed calls for authorities to strengthen their response to violence.
Although several months have passed since the incident, the families affected continue to live with its consequences. For many of them, the need for justice, accountability and lasting security remains important.
Makinde Reiterates Security Agenda Ahead of 2027 Elections
Beyond expressing sympathy, Makinde used the visit to draw attention to security as a major issue in his proposed agenda for Nigeria.
The APM presidential candidate maintained that protecting lives and property should remain a central responsibility of government. He also emphasised the need for stronger measures to prevent attacks on communities and improve public safety.
His proposed security approach includes better intelligence gathering, improved coordination among security agencies and greater attention to threats at the community level.
Furthermore, the candidate highlighted the importance of addressing security concerns before they escalate into deadly incidents, rather than depending solely on responses after attacks have occurred.
The Makinde Jos visit also comes as political activities gradually increase ahead of the 2027 general elections, with security expected to remain a major issue in discussions among political parties and presidential candidates.
Plateau State has experienced recurring security challenges, particularly in communities affected by attacks and tensions involving different groups. These incidents have continued to raise questions about the ability of authorities to protect residents and prevent further violence.
For residents of Angwan Rukuba, however, the immediate concern goes beyond political discussions. Families affected by the March killings still need justice, while other residents want stronger protection against future attacks.
Makinde’s visit has therefore brought renewed attention to the human impact of insecurity and the expectations Nigerians have of political leaders.
As the 2027 elections approach, candidates will face increasing pressure to explain how they intend to address the country’s security problems. Their proposals will also face scrutiny from communities that have experienced the consequences of violent attacks.
The tragedy in Angwan Rukuba remains a reminder of the urgent need for effective security measures, accountability and sustained government attention to affected communities.