The protest disrupted a funeral service meant to honour those killed during the Palm Sunday attack in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, where at least 28 people lost their lives.
The women, carrying leaves and chanting songs, gathered at the church venue and blocked the entrance, refusing to allow the burial to proceed. Their demand was clear — the immediate release of some youths arrested by security forces after the attack.
One of the protesters, Rhoda Aliyu, voiced their frustration, insisting that the burial would not take place until those detained were freed. Another protester, Mathew Bulus, argued that the arrested youths were innocent and should not be blamed for the killings, urging authorities to focus on finding the real perpetrators instead.
The situation quickly escalated as emotions ran high, especially when the bodies of some of the victims—about seven—were brought to the venue. The women, supported by some youths in the community, reportedly locked the church gates, standing firm on their demands.
According to a local source, the protest was triggered by the arrest of three young men from the community, who were picked up by military personnel in connection with ongoing investigations into the attack.
The tragic incident that led to the protest occurred on Palm Sunday night, when suspected bandits invaded Angwan Rukuba and nearby Gari Ya Waye. The attackers reportedly stormed the area around 8 p.m., opening fire on residents, leaving over 28 people dead and many others injured.
Following the attack, Bola Tinubu visited the state to sympathize with affected families and directed security agencies to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. He also approved the deployment of over 5,000 AI-powered CCTV cameras across the state to improve surveillance and strengthen security.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang had earlier visited the affected community, condemning the attack as a calculated and disturbing act aimed at destabilizing the region. He assured residents that those behind the violence would be identified and held accountable.
In his engagements with stakeholders and during a statewide address, the governor emphasized that swift steps had already been taken to improve security, including emergency security meetings and tighter protection in vulnerable areas.
He also praised residents for maintaining calm and not resorting to violence despite the painful loss, stressing that the state would not give in to threats or intimidation from criminal elements.
Mutfwang called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community members to work closely with security agencies to restore peace, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to unity and long-term stability in Plateau State.
As of the time of reporting, security agencies had yet to officially respond to concerns surrounding the arrest of the youths or the growing tension in the community.
