Jos: Female demonstrators object to collective funeral for victims of violence, call for freedom of detained young people

Tension escalated in Angwan Rukuba community, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Tuesday, as a group of angry women, armed with leaves and chanting slogans, took to the streets to protest the planned mass burial of victims of the Palm Sunday deadly attack by gunmen.

n

The women, joined by some youths, blocked the entrance of the church where the mass burial was scheduled to take place, citing allegations that military authorities had arrested three youths from the community in connection with the investigation into the killings.

n

A community source revealed that the women were demanding the unconditional release of the arrested youths before the burial could proceed, highlighting the deep-seated concerns and tensions within the community.

n

The situation was eventually calmed down through the intervention of youth leaders, who managed to placate the protesters and restore a sense of order to the area.

n

It is worth recalling that unknown gunmen, suspected to be bandits, had attacked the Gari Ya Waye area of Angwan Rukuba on Palm Sunday night, resulting in the deaths of over 28 people and injuring several others.

n

The attack occurred around 7:30pm, with the assailants opening fire indiscriminately on residents, causing widespread panic and destruction in the densely populated community.

n

President Bola Tinubu, who visited Plateau State in the aftermath of the attack, offered his condolences to the victims' families and directed security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators.

n

As part of his response to the crisis, President Tinubu also ordered the installation of over 5,000 Artificial Intelligence-enabled CCTV cameras across the state to enhance 24-hour surveillance and combat insecurity.

n

Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who had earlier visited the scene of the attack, vowed to ensure that justice would be served and the perpetrators would not go unpunished, describing the attack as a heinous and well-orchestrated act aimed at destabilising the state.

n

In a statewide broadcast and during stakeholder engagements, Governor Mutfwang assured residents that his administration had taken swift and decisive actions to address the crisis, including convening a Security Council meeting to address lapses and strengthening security measures across vulnerable areas.

n

The governor commended the people of Angwan Rukuba and Plateau State for exercising restraint and refusing to retaliate despite the provocation, and declared that Plateau State would not bow to the blackmail of terror.

n

Governor Mutfwang also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to collaborate with security agencies and the government in the fight against insecurity, reaffirming his commitment to restoring lasting peace and unity in the state.

n

Efforts to obtain a reaction from security agencies regarding the arrest of the three youths and the ongoing tension proved unsuccessful as of press time.

n

Meanwhile, normalcy has returned to the community, and the funeral mass for the victims is currently underway.