A protest erupted on Tuesday at an ECWA church in Angwan Rukuba, Jos, disrupting the funeral of victims of the recent attack on the community.
The violence, which occurred on March 29, left at least 28 people dead and several others injured after gunmen stormed the area. The incident sparked outrage online and led the Plateau State government to impose a 48-hour curfew in the affected LGA.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang “strongly condemned” the attack, describing it as “barbaric and unprovoked.” During a visit on March 30, he assured families that there would be no mass burial, promising each victim a dignified send-off.
“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,” he said.
However, during Tuesday’s funeral for seven victims, tensions escalated as some youths disrupted the service. They accused security agencies of arresting three young men who allegedly defended the community during the attack.
Carrying placards, the protesters insisted the detainees must be released before the burial could continue.
“How will they come and kill us and still capture our boys, saying they are bandits? For what reason?” one protester asked.
“This is wickedness of the highest level. If they don’t bring those boys, this funeral will not take place.”