By Ayomide Otitoju
A solemn funeral service for victims of the Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos, was disrupted by rising tensions on Monday as fresh details emerged and protesters gathered outside the church.
The Chief of Staff at the Government House, Jeremiah Satmak, who represented the Plateau State Government, extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured 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 demise of some victims who had been receiving treatment in hospital. He stated that the government remains committed to ending the cycle of violence in the state.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and prayerful, while reaffirming the administration’s resolve to restore lasting peace.
The official further disclosed that three youths earlier arrested in connection with the incident have been released.
Speaking at the service, the Plateau State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Gomwalk Dunkan, emphasised that sustainable peace can only be achieved through justice, calling on authorities to ensure accountability.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated outside the church as women and youths staged a protest, demanding the release of the three individuals previously detained by the military. The protesters alleged that the youths were wrongly arrested, while the actual perpetrators remain at large.
Carrying placards, the demonstrators threatened to disrupt the burial proceedings until their demands were met, highlighting growing frustration among residents over recurring attacks and delayed justice.
The unrest follows a deadly shooting last Sunday in Angwan Rukuba, located in Jos North Local Government Area, where unidentified gunmen reportedly attacked youths. The latest incident adds to a series of violent attacks in Plateau State, including a recent ambush in Kanam Local Government Area that claimed the lives of security personnel and vigilantes.
