Tension engulfed Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, on Tuesday, as the death toll from the Palm Sunday attack climbed to 33.
The atmosphere turned chaotic when angry women and youths staged a protest, disrupting the mass burial of victims at the ECWA Church.
In a separate incident, gunmen ambushed and killed a 300-level university student in Dum Village, Bachi District of Riyom Local Government Area, adding to the state’s rising insecurity.
Amid the unrest, Plateau State officials called for swift justice. Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Stephen Pwajok, alongside Dickson Chollom, the member representing Barkin Ladi Constituency in the State House of Assembly, urged that the suspect arrested over the deadly attack on Pommwol village be thoroughly investigated and face the full wrath of the law.
The solemn funeral service descended into disorder as protesters gathered outside the church auditorium, demanding the immediate release of three youths detained by the military in connection with the attack.
Representing the state government, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Jeremiah Satmak, confirmed the updated casualty figures.
“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,” Satmak said.
He explained that some victims had succumbed in hospital after the initial toll of 28 and assured bereaved families that authorities were actively working to identify the perpetrators.
He further urged residents to remain vigilant and prayerful and announced the release of the three youths previously arrested.
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Plateau State chapter, Rev. Gomwalk Dunkan, emphasized the link between justice and lasting peace.
“There can be no peace without justice. Government must ensure that justice is served for lasting peace to return,” he said.
Earlier, women and youths carrying placards had vowed to halt the burial until the detained youths were freed.
They alleged that the youths were unjustly apprehended while merely holding sticks, insisting that the real attackers remained at large.
The protest underscored the community’s growing frustration over repeated violence and perceived delays in delivering justice, further heightening tensions across the area.
