Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North, Plateau State, was engulfed in tension on Tuesday as angry women and youths blocked the entrance of a church to protest the planned mass burial of victims of the Palm Sunday attack.
The demonstrators carried leaves and chanted songs, demanding the unconditional release of three youths reportedly detained by military authorities in connection with the killings. According to a source in the community, the women insisted no burial should proceed until the youths were freed. Youth leaders eventually intervened to restore calm.
The attack, which occurred on Palm Sunday night in the densely populated Gari Ya Waye area, left more than 28 people dead and several others injured. Gunmen, suspected to be armed bandits, stormed the community around 7:30 p.m., opening fire indiscriminately on residents.
Following the tragedy, President Bola Tinubu visited Plateau State last week, expressing condolences to victims’ families and directing security agencies to apprehend the attackers. The President also ordered the installation of over 5,000 AI-enabled CCTV cameras across the state to strengthen surveillance and enhance security.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who also inspected the scene, described the attack as a “heinous and well-orchestrated act aimed at destabilising Plateau State.” He pledged that the perpetrators would not escape justice and commended residents for maintaining restraint despite the provocation.
In a statewide address, Governor Mutfwang confirmed that his administration had convened a Security Council meeting to review lapses, and reinforced security measures across vulnerable communities. He urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and local stakeholders to work closely with security agencies in restoring peace and unity.
Efforts to obtain comments from security agencies regarding the arrest of the three youths and the protest remained unsuccessful as of press time. Normalcy has since returned to the community, and the funeral mass for the victims is ongoing.
The Palm Sunday attack underscores persistent insecurity challenges in Plateau State, highlighting the delicate balance between ensuring justice, maintaining public order, and addressing community grievances.
