A solemn funeral service for victims of the Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba, Plateau State, turned tense as new details emerged and protesters gathered outside the church.
The Chief of Staff, Government House Jos, Jeremiah Satmak, who represented the state government, sympathised with families of the victims and assured them that efforts are ongoing to uncover the motive behind the killings and bring those responsible to justice.
Satmak revealed that the death toll from the attack has risen from 28 to 33, following the passing of some victims who had been receiving treatment in hospital.
“Government is working tirelessly to unravel the motive behind these killings and bring an end to the violence on the Plateau. This attack was meant to break our unity, but it will not succeed,” he said.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and prayerful, reiterating the government’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in the state.
The Chief of Staff further disclosed that three youths earlier arrested in connection with the incident have been released.
Also speaking, Gomwalk Dunkan, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau State chapter, stressed that justice remains essential for peace to return.
“There can be no peace without justice. Government must ensure that justice is served for lasting peace to return,” he said.
Despite the solemn nature of the occasion, tension escalated outside the church as women and youths staged a protest, demanding the release of the three youths previously detained by the military.
The protesters claimed the individuals were wrongfully arrested while the actual perpetrators remain at large. Carrying placards with different messages, they insisted the burial would not proceed until the youths were freed.
The situation heightened anxiety in the area, reflecting growing frustration among residents over repeated attacks and delays in achieving justice.
The incident follows a deadly shooting last Sunday when unidentified gunmen reportedly on a motorcycle attacked youths in Angwan Rukuba, located in Jos North Local Government Area.
It also comes weeks after at least 20 security operatives and vigilantes were reportedly killed in an ambush by armed bandits targeting a joint patrol team in Wanka and surrounding communities in the Garga area of Kanam Local Government Area.
What you should know
The funeral of victims from the Angwan Rukuba attack in Plateau State was overshadowed by protests and rising tensions as the death toll increased to 33.
Residents are demanding justice and accountability, especially following the release of three previously arrested youths.
The situation highlights ongoing insecurity in Plateau State, where repeated attacks and delayed responses continue to fuel frustration and fear among communities.