Women in Angwan Rukuba, Jos, on Tuesday disrupted the burial of victims of the recent Palm Sunday attack, protesting the arrest of some youths by security agents.
The protest occurred at a church in the Angwan Rukuba community, located in Plateau State, where a mass burial service for at least 28 victims was scheduled to take place.
Armed with leaves and chanting songs, the women blocked the church entrance, insisting that the burial would not proceed until the arrested youths were released.
“We will not allow the burial to take place until our sons are released,” one of the protesters, Rhoda Aliyu, said.
The incident follows the Palm Sunday attack on Angwan Rukuba and nearby Gari Ya Waye, where gunmen suspected to be bandits killed over 28 people and injured several others.
The attackers reportedly stormed the community at night, opening fire indiscriminately on residents.
Tension in the community
The protest escalated tensions as about seven corpses of the victims were brought to the venue, with mourners unable to proceed with the burial rites.
Community sources said the demonstrators were reacting to the arrest of three youths allegedly detained by military authorities in connection with investigations into the killings.
Another protester, Mathew Bulus, maintained that those arrested were innocent and should not be held for crimes they did not commit.
Government response
President Bola Tinubu had earlier visited Plateau State to commiserate with the families of the victims and directed security agencies to apprehend those responsible.
He also ordered the installation of over 5,000 AI-enabled CCTV cameras to strengthen surveillance and improve security across the state.
Similarly, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the killings, describing the attack as a coordinated attempt to destabilise the state.
He assured residents that justice would be served and announced measures, including a State Security Council meeting and enhanced protection in vulnerable communities.
Call for restraint
Governor Mutfwang commended residents for maintaining calm despite the provocation and urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and stakeholders to support efforts to restore peace.
He reiterated that the state would not succumb to terror or intimidation.
The Palm Sunday attack represents one of the latest incidents in a series of security challenges affecting communities in the region, raising concerns about the effectiveness of ongoing interventions.
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