Tension flared in Angwan Rukuba, Plateau State, on Tuesday as protesters clashed with security operatives, disrupting a funeral service organised for victims of recent attacks in the community.
The incident occurred at the ECWA Gospel Church, where families and sympathisers had gathered for the mass burial of seven victims.
Trouble started when a group of demonstrators — mostly women and children — stormed the venue, accusing security agencies of arresting three local youths who they claimed had only defended the community during the violence.
Chanting and blocking access to the church, the protesters insisted the arrested youths were innocent, declaring, “Those arrested are not bandits,” and demanding their immediate release.
The protest escalated quickly, as angry youths and women barricaded the entrance, preventing mourners from entering and halting the planned funeral proceedings.
The development comes just days after a deadly attack in the area. On March 29, 2026, gunmen reportedly invaded Gari Ya Waye in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, opening fire on residents.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers, said to be more than 20 in number, struck between 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., killing at least 28 people in the process.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, had earlier condemned the killings, describing them as a senseless attack on innocent residents.
Several survivors of the assault were rushed to the Jos University Teaching Hospital for treatment.
Reacting to the situation, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, condemned the violence and ordered the immediate deployment of security personnel to restore calm and track down those responsible.
He also directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Umar Shehu Nadada, to the state to assess the situation and coordinate ongoing security efforts.
Authorities say additional tactical teams, Police Mobile Force units and intelligence operatives have been deployed to strengthen security and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
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