…Women, youths stage peaceful protest during funeral, demand release of three men detained by army
RismadarVoice Reporters, April 7, 2026
Tension gripped parts of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State on Tuesday as the death toll from the recent Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba rose to 33.
The victims were honoured during a funeral service held for those killed during the assault, which was reportedly carried out by gunmen. The number of fatalities increased after several injured victims receiving treatment in hospitals succumbed to their wounds.
Representing the Plateau State Government at the funeral, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Jeremiah Satmak, expressed condolences to the grieving families and assured residents that authorities were working to determine the motive behind the attack. He also pledged that those responsible would be identified and brought to justice.
Satmak said the government remained committed to protecting lives and maintaining peace in the state, urging residents to stay vigilant and continue supporting security efforts. According to him, the attackers’ intention to divide communities would ultimately fail.
The solemn ceremony, however, took a dramatic turn when a group of women and youths gathered outside the church to stage a protest. The demonstrators demanded the immediate release of three young men earlier detained by the military in connection with the incident.
Protesters claimed the youths were wrongly arrested and insisted that the burial should not proceed until they were freed. The demonstration heightened emotions among mourners already shaken by the tragedy.
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Plateau State, Rev. Gomwalk Dunkan, called for fairness and accountability in the handling of the case.
He emphasized that lasting peace could only be achieved if justice is served.
