Angry Women Halt Mass Burial in Angwan Rukuba as Death Toll Climbs to 33
Tensions heightened dramatically in the Angwan Rukuba community, located within Jos North Local Council of Plateau State, as a group of angry women took to the streets to halt a planned mass burial for victims of a deadly Palm Sunday attack by gunmen. The protest, which occurred yesterday, saw women carrying leaves and chanting songs, effectively blocking the entrance to the ECWA Church where the funeral service was scheduled to take place.
Death Toll Rises and Government Response
During the funeral service, the Chief of Staff of the Government House in Jos, Jeremiah Satmak, who represented the Plateau State Government, confirmed that the death toll from the attack has risen to 33. This increase from the initial figure of 28 came after some victims succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. Satmak commiserated with the families of the victims and assured them that efforts are underway to uncover the motive behind the killings and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Protest Demands and Community Tensions
The protesting women, joined by some youths, locked the church entrance, citing allegations that military authorities had arrested three youths from the community in connection with investigations into the killings. A local source informed our correspondent that the women were demanding the unconditional release of these arrested youths before any burial could proceed. It took the intervention of youth leaders to calm the volatile situation, highlighting the deep-seated frustrations within the community.
Details of the Palm Sunday Attack
Gunmen attacked the Gari Ya Waye area of Angwan Rukuba on Palm Sunday night, killing over 28 people initially and injuring several others. The assailants stormed the densely populated community around 7:30 p.m., opening fire indiscriminately on residents. Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who had earlier visited the scene, vowed that justice would be served and the perpetrators would not go unpunished. He described the attack as a heinous and well-orchestrated act aimed at destabilising the state.
Government and Community Leaders Speak Out
In his address, Governor Mutfwang's delegate emphasized that the government is working tirelessly to unravel the motive behind these killings and bring an end to the violence on the Plateau. He stated, "This attack was meant to break our unity, but it will not succeed." He called on residents to remain vigilant and prayerful, assuring them of the state government's commitment to restoring lasting peace. Additionally, the Chief of Staff announced that the three youths earlier arrested in connection with the incident had been released, potentially easing some tensions.
Call for Justice and Peace
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau State chapter, Rev. Gomwalk Dunkan, stressed that peace can only be achieved through justice. He remarked, "There can be no peace without justice. Government must ensure that justice is served for lasting peace to return." Despite the crisis, he expressed hope that it would soon come to an end, noting that the perpetrators would not escape punishment. The community remains on edge as investigations continue and efforts to heal from the tragedy unfold.
