A funeral service for victims of the Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba community, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, was on Tuesday disrupted following a protest by women demanding the release of some youths arrested by security operatives.
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The attack, which left at least 28 people dead, had triggered a mass burial ceremony at a local church when the protest erupted, forcing proceedings to a halt.
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The women, some carrying leaves and chanting solidarity songs, blocked the church entrance and insisted that the burial would not proceed until the arrested youths were freed.
“We will not allow the burial to take place until our sons are released,” one protester, Rhoda Aliyu, said.
Another protester, Mathew Bulus, argued that the detained youths were innocent and should not be held over the killings.
The protesters alleged that military authorities had arrested three youths from the community in connection with investigations into the attack, further heightening tension in the area as corpses of victims were brought to the venue.
The Palm Sunday assault reportedly occurred when unknown gunmen stormed Angwan Rukuba and nearby Gari Ya Waye around 8 p.m., opening fire on residents and killing over 28 people.
Following the incident, President Bola Tinubu ordered security agencies to track down and arrest the perpetrators, while also directing enhanced surveillance measures in Plateau State.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the attack as a “heinous and well-orchestrated” act and assured residents that justice would be served.
He also appealed for calm and urged communities to support security agencies in restoring peace, while commending residents for avoiding reprisals despite the tragedy.
As of press time, security agencies had not issued an official response regarding the reported arrests or the renewed tension in the community.
