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A solemn funeral service for victims of the Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos, turned tense as fresh revelations emerged and protesters gathered outside the church.
The Chief of Staff, Government House Jos, Jeremiah Satmak, who represented the Plateau State Government, commiserated with families of the victims and assured them that efforts are underway to uncover the motive behind the killings and bring perpetrators to justice.
Satmak disclosed that toll from the attack has risen from 28 to 33, following the death of some victims in the 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.
He also called on residents to remain vigilant and prayerful, assuring that the state government is committed to restoring lasting peace.
The Chief of Staff further announced that the three youths earlier arrested in connection with the incident have been released.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau State chapter, Rev. Gomwalk Dunkan, stressed that peace can only be achieved through justice.
“There can be no peace without justice. Government must ensure that justice is served for lasting peace to return,” he said.
Women and youths staged a protest outside the church, demanding the release of the three youths earlier arrested by the military.
He, however, expressed hope that the crisis will soon come to an end, noting that the perpetrators will not go unpunished.
Meanwhile, outside the church auditorium, tensions flared as women and youths staged a protest, demanding the release of the three youths earlier arrested by the military.
The protesters alleged that the youths were unjustly picked up with sticks, while the actual perpetrators of the attack remain at large. Carrying placards with various inscriptions, they vowed not to allow the burial to proceed until the youths were freed.
The development heightened tension in the area, underscoring growing frustration among residents over recurring attacks and delayed justice.
A deadly shooting incident was reported last Sunday when unidentified gunmen, reportedly riding on a motorcycle, shot and killed some youths in the Anguwan Rukuba, in Jos North Local Government Area of the state.
The latest attack comes weeks after no fewer than 20 security operatives and vigilantes were reportedly killed when heavily armed bandits ambushed a joint patrol team in Wanka and the surrounding communities of the Garga area in the Kanam Local Government Area of the state.
