Tension in Jos as Women Protest Mass Burial, Demand Release of Detained Youths
High tension gripped the Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area on Tuesday as local women staged a spirited protest to halt the scheduled mass burial of victims from the deadly Palm Sunday attack.
The protesters, chanting songs and carrying green leaves, barricaded the entrance to the church where the funeral rites were to take place. They were joined by several youths from the community, effectively stalling the proceedings.
Demands for Justice and Release
The demonstration was sparked by reports that military authorities had detained three local youths in connection with investigations into the massacre. Community sources told our correspondent that the women are demanding the unconditional release of the trio as a prerequisite for the burial.
“The community feels the victims are being further victimized,” a resident stated. “They want their youths back before any bodies are committed to mother earth.”
It took the coordinated intervention of community youth leaders to temporarily de-escalate the situation and prevent a total breakdown of law and order.
Background of the Palm Sunday Massacre
The protest follows the horrific attack on the Gari Ya Waye area of Angwan Rukuba last Sunday night. Suspected bandits reportedly stormed the neighborhood around 7:30 PM, opening fire indiscriminately. The assault left over 28 people dead and several others hospitalized with varying degrees of injuries.
Government and Security Response
The incident has drawn high-level attention:
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Presidential Mandate: During a visit to the state last week, President Bola Tinubu commiserated with the bereaved and directed security agencies to hunt down the perpetrators. He also ordered the deployment of 5,000 AI-enabled CCTV cameras to provide 24-hour surveillance across Plateau State.
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Executive Vow: Governor Caleb Mutfwang has condemned the killings as a “well-orchestrated act aimed at destabilizing the state.” In a statewide broadcast, the Governor vowed that justice would be served and commended the community for exercising restraint despite the extreme provocation.
Silence from Security Agencies
Despite the escalating tension and specific allegations regarding the detention of the three youths, security agencies have yet to issue an official statement. Efforts to reach spokespersons for the military and police for clarification were unsuccessful as of press time.
Governor Mutfwang continues to appeal to traditional and religious leaders to collaborate with his administration, maintaining that the state “will not bow to the blackmail of terror.”
