Tension escalated in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Monday as angry women staged a protest to halt the mass burial of victims of the Palm Sunday attack by gunmen.
Gatekeepers News reports that the women, carrying leaves and chanting songs, blocked access to the ECWA Church where the funeral service was scheduled, insisting that the burial should not proceed under the prevailing circumstances.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Government confirmed that the death toll from the attack has risen to 33. The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Jeremiah Satmak, who represented the government at the event, disclosed the updated figure.
He extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured them that efforts were ongoing to uncover the motive behind the killings and bring those responsible to justice.
The protesting women, supported by some youths, were reportedly angered by the arrest of three community members by military authorities in connection with the incident. A local source said the demonstrators demanded the unconditional release of the youths before any burial could take place.
The situation was eventually brought under control following the intervention of community youth leaders.
Gunmen had attacked the Gari Ya Waye area of Angwan Rukuba on Palm Sunday night, opening fire on residents around 7:30 p.m. The assault left dozens dead and several others injured.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who had earlier visited the scene, condemned the attack, describing it as a calculated attempt to destabilise the state, and vowed that the perpetrators would not escape justice.
Providing an update, the governor’s representative said the casualty figure rose from 28 to 33 after some victims succumbed to injuries 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 urged residents to remain vigilant and prayerful, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in the state.
Satmak also announced that the three youths earlier arrested in connection with the incident had been released.
On his part, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Plateau State, Rev. Gomwalk Dunkan, stressed the importance of justice in achieving peace.
“There can be no peace without justice. Government must ensure that justice is served for lasting peace to return,” he said.
