A solemn funeral service for victims of the Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos, was overshadowed by rising tension as new details about the incident emerged and protesters gathered outside the church.
Representing the Plateau State Government, Chief of Staff, Government House Jos, Jeremiah Satmak, extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured that efforts were ongoing to uncover the motive behind the killings and bring those responsible to justice.
He revealed that the death toll had increased from 28 to 33 following the passing of additional victims in hospital.
According to him, the government remains committed to ending the cycle of violence in the state, noting that the attack was intended to undermine unity but would not succeed.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and prayerful while assuring them of the government’s resolve to restore lasting peace.
Satmak further disclosed that three youths earlier arrested in connection with the incident had been released.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau State chapter, Gomwalk Dunkan, emphasised that justice is central to achieving peace.
He stressed that lasting peace in the state depends on ensuring that those responsible for the killings are held accountable.
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However, the atmosphere outside the church grew tense as women and youths staged a protest, demanding the release of the three youths previously detained by the military.
The demonstrators alleged that the youths were wrongly arrested, insisting that the real perpetrators of the attack were still at large. Some protesters carried placards and threatened to disrupt the burial until their demands were met.
The situation heightened anxiety in the community, reflecting growing frustration over recurring attacks and what residents perceive as delays in delivering justice.
The attack, which occurred last Sunday, involved unidentified gunmen reportedly riding on a motorcycle who opened fire on youths in Angwan Rukuba, located in Jos North Local Government Area.
The incident comes amid a series of violent episodes in Plateau State, including a recent ambush in Kanam Local Government Area where several security personnel and vigilantes were killed, further deepening concerns over insecurity in the region.