JOS — Tension erupted on Tuesday during the funeral service for victims of the recent attack on Gari Yawaye community, Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, after protesters objected to the arrest of three local youths by security agencies.
Eyewitnesses said the demonstration began at the ECWA Gospel Church, Angwan Rukuba, where the funeral was scheduled, as community members—women, men, and youths—clashed with security operatives.
The protesters carried placards alleging that the three youths had been detained despite defending their neighbourhood during the March 29, 2026 attack, which left over 30 people dead at the hands of unknown gunmen.
They insisted the arrested youths were not criminals but patriotic residents whose only “crime” was protecting their community, vowing that the funeral would not proceed until their release. Demonstrators reportedly blocked the church entrance, preventing mourners from entering for the planned mass burial.
One protester told journalists, “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 potentially volatile situation was defused when the military intervened, promptly releasing the three youths. This action restored peace, allowing the funeral service to continue without further incident.