Outrage in Plateau as Death Toll Hits 33, Protesters Stall Victims’ Burial

Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State was thrown into turmoil on Sunday after the death toll from the Palm Sunday attack rose to 33.

A mass burial for the victims at the ECWA Church was abruptly halted when women and youths staged a protest, demanding the release of three individuals arrested by the military over the incident.

The protest escalated tensions as demonstrators blocked access to the church auditorium, insisting the burial would not take place until the detained youths were freed.

Chief of Staff to the Governor, Jeremiah Satmak, confirmed that the casualty figure increased from 28 after additional victims died in hospital.

“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,” he said.

Satmak further disclosed that the three arrested youths had been released and reassured grieving families that authorities were working to track down and prosecute those behind the killings.

Elsewhere, suspected gunmen killed a 300-level university student in Dum Village, Bachi District of Riyom Local Government Area, adding to fears over escalating insecurity in the state.

Reacting to the violence, Barkin Ladi Local Government Chairman, Stephen Pwajok, alongside state lawmaker Dickson Chollom, called for a comprehensive investigation into the Pommwol village attack and urged authorities to ensure justice is served.

Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Plateau State, Rev. Gomwalk Dunkan, emphasized that peace cannot be sustained without accountability.

“There can be no peace without justice. Government must ensure that justice is served for lasting peace to return,” he stated.

Protesters claimed the arrested youths were wrongly detained, alleging they were only carrying sticks at the time, while the real perpetrators remained free.

The demonstration underscored deepening public frustration over repeated attacks and what residents perceive as slow progress in delivering justice.

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