Tragedy was averted on Tuesday during the funeral service of some victims of the recent attack on the Gari Yawaye community Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State after a protest erupted following the arrest of three youths in the area by security agencies for allegedly defending their neighbourhood during the violence.
Eyewitnesses report that trouble started when the protesters made up of community women, men and youths clashed with security operatives at the ECWA Gospel Church in Angwan Rukuba where the funeral service was to take place.
It was gathered that the demonstrators who carried placards with various inscriptions alleged that the three youths had been arrested despite defending their community during the violence on March 29, 2026, where over 30 people were killed by yet to be identified gunmen.
The protesters reportedly vowed that the funeral service would not be conducted until the arrested youths were released, insisting that they were not bandits but patriotic youths whose only crime was defending their community.
The situation was further escalated as angry youths and women blocked the church entrance, preventing mourners from accessing the venue for the planned mass burial.
One of the protesters, who spoke to journalists during the demonstration, was heard saying:
“How will they come and kill us and still capture our boys, saying they are bandits? For what reason?
“This is wickedness of the highest level. If they don’t bring those boys, this funeral will not take place.”
The situation which was threatening to turn into another round of bloodshed was, however, brought under control when the military acted decisively and promptly released the three youths thereby allowing peace to reign and the continuation of the funeral service.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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