Funeral for Jos Massacre Victims Disrupted by Protests Over Youth Arrests; Curfew Partially Relaxed

Funeral services for Jos massacre victims were disrupted by protests over youth arrests. Plateau State has since relaxed the Jos North curfew.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 8, 2026, 6:35 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from THISDAYLIVE

Protests Erupt at Solemn Service

Tensions reached a breaking point in the Angwan Rukuba community of Jos North on Tuesday as a funeral service for dozens of victims was disrupted by angry demonstrators. Hundreds of mourners had gathered at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) to honor those killed in a recent Palm Sunday massacre. However, the service was interrupted when news spread that security forces had arrested several local youths and vigilantes. Protesting women and youth blocked the church entrance, vowing that no burials would take place until the detainees were released.

Government Intervention and Release of Youths

The standoff paralyzed the funeral proceedings for several hours, with community members accusing the Nigerian Army of making indiscriminate arrests while the neighborhood was still in deep mourning. The situation only de-escalated after a direct intervention from the Plateau State Government. Following the release of the three detained youths, the funeral service resumed. Chief of Staff Jeremiah Satmak, representing Governor Caleb Mutfwang, assured the grieving families that the administration is committed to a transparent investigation to bring the true perpetrators of the Gari Ya Waye attack to justice.

The Toll of the Palm Sunday Attack

The unrest stems from a brutal assault carried out by suspected bandits around 7:30 PM on Palm Sunday. Attackers reportedly moved through the densely populated Gari Ya Waye area of Angwan Rukuba, opening fire indiscriminately on residents. The massacre left more than 30 people dead and many others hospitalized. Local leaders, including the Director-General of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Julie Sanda, emphasized at the funeral that lasting peace can only be achieved if the justice system restores the community's confidence in the state's ability to protect its citizens.