Tension erupted in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State on Tuesday after a group of protesters disrupted the funeral ceremony for victims of the recent attack on Angwan Rukuba community, demanding the immediate release of three youths allegedly arrested by the military.
The incident occurred during a mass funeral service held at an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) church for seven victims of the deadly assault that rocked the community.
Eyewitnesses said the emotional burial service was suddenly interrupted when angry youths stormed the church premises carrying placards and chanting slogans.
The protesters accused security agencies of unjustly arresting three young men whom they claimed were only trying to defend their neighbourhood during the violent attack.
One of the demonstrators expressed frustration over the arrests.
How will they come and kill us and still capture our boys, saying they are bandits? For what reason? This is wickedness of the highest level,” the protester said.
The group insisted that the burial would not proceed unless the arrested youths were released.
Following the protest and mounting pressure from community members, the military authorities later released the three youths.
Their release triggered jubilation among mourners and protesters who had gathered at the church.
Once confirmation of their freedom was received, the demonstrators allowed the funeral rites to continue, and the bodies of the victims were eventually moved from the church for burial.
The youths had reportedly been arrested days earlier by the Nigerian Army while sitting in front of their homes, days after the attack occurred.
After their release, the young men were presented to community youth leaders at the church premises, bringing relief to the tense gathering.
The funeral followed a brutal attack that occurred on March 29, when gunmen invaded the Angwan Rukuba community.
The assault claimed the lives of at least 28 people and left several others injured, sparking outrage across the country and renewed concerns over insecurity in the region.
In response to the violence, the government of Plateau State imposed a 48-hour curfew in Jos North Local Government Area in an effort to restore order.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang strongly condemned the killings, describing the attack as both barbaric and unprovoked.
During a visit to the affected community on March 30, the governor assured grieving families that the victims would receive dignified burials rather than a mass interment.
We will not allow mass burial. Government will work closely with the families to give each victim a befitting burial. They did not deserve to die in such a manner,” Mutfwang said.
Although the release of the arrested youths helped calm tensions and allowed the burial to proceed, residents of Angwan Rukuba remain deeply shaken by the violence.
The attack has reignited debate about security in Plateau communities and the need for stronger measures to protect residents from recurring assaults.
Authorities are yet to provide detailed updates on the perpetrators of the attack, while community leaders continue to call for justice for those killed.
