Tension In Plateau As Toll Rises To 33
07 April, 2026 | News
Tension gripped a funeral service for victims of the Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos, as new developments emerged and protesters gathered outside the church.
Representing the Plateau State Government, the Chief of Staff, Government House Jos, Jeremiah Satmak, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and assured them that authorities are working to uncover the motive behind the killings and bring those responsible to justice.
He revealed that the death toll from the attack has risen from 28 to 33, following the passing of additional victims in hospital. Satmak described the incident as an attempt to divide the people but insisted it would not succeed. He urged residents to remain vigilant and prayerful, reaffirming the government’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in the state.
The Chief of Staff also announced that three youths earlier arrested in connection with the incident have been released.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau State chapter, Rev. Gomwalk Dunkan, emphasised that justice remains key to achieving peace. He called on authorities to ensure that those behind the attack are held accountable.
Despite these assurances, tensions escalated outside the church as women and youths staged a protest, demanding the release of the detained individuals. The demonstrators alleged that the youths were wrongly arrested, claiming they were picked up while carrying sticks, whereas the real perpetrators remained at large.
Carrying placards, the protesters initially threatened to disrupt the burial until the youths were freed, reflecting growing frustration over repeated attacks and perceived delays in justice.
The incident follows a deadly shooting last Sunday, when unidentified gunmen reportedly attacked youths in Angwan Rukuba. It also comes weeks after an ambush in Kanam Local Government Area, where several security operatives and vigilantes were killed, highlighting ongoing security concerns in the state.