Plateau Protest Disrupts Funeral As Arrested Youths Are Released

A protest on Tuesday interrupted the funeral of victims of the recent attack on Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, following outrage over the arrest of three youths by security operatives.

The disruption occurred during a mass funeral service held at the ECWA church for seven victims of the attack. Some youths stormed the venue, accusing security agencies of detaining three young men who they claimed were defending their neighbourhood during the violence.

Protesters carried placards and insisted that the burial would not proceed unless the detained individuals were released.

“How will they come and kill us and still capture our boys, saying they are bandits? For what reason?” one of the protesters said.

“This is wickedness of the highest level. If they don’t bring those boys, this funeral will not take place.”

The situation escalated until military authorities released the three youths, a development that sparked widespread jubilation among those gathered.

Following their release, tensions eased significantly, allowing funeral proceedings to continue. The bodies of the victims were eventually taken out of the church for burial after confirmation that the detained youths had regained their freedom.

The youths had reportedly been arrested days after the Sunday night attack while sitting in front of their homes. Their return to the church premises brought relief to both protesters and mourners, and they were formally handed over to community youth leaders.

The attack, which occurred on March 29, left no fewer than 28 people dead and several others injured after gunmen invaded the community. The incident triggered widespread outrage across the country and prompted the government of Plateau State to impose a 48-hour curfew in the affected area.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang had earlier “strongly condemned” the attack, describing it as “barbaric and unprovoked”.

During a visit to the community on March 30, the governor assured residents that victims would be given dignified burials.

“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.