Protest Erupts At Plateau Mass Burial As Residents Clash With Security Over Youth Arrests

Funeral services for terror victims in Plateau State were disrupted on Tuesday as protesters clashed with security over the alleged wrongful arrest of local youths.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 7, 2026, 8:39 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Politics Nigeria

Disruption at ECWA Gospel Church

What was intended to be a solemn mass burial for seven victims of recent violence turned into a scene of confrontation at the ECWA Gospel Church in Angwan Rukuba. Protesters, comprised largely of women and children, converged on the venue to express grievances against security operatives. The demonstration effectively halted the funeral proceedings, as angry residents blocked the entrance to prevent mourners and officials from accessing the church, highlighting a deep-seated distrust between the community and law enforcement.

Allegations of Wrongful Arrests

The core of the protesters' demand centers on the detention of three local youths. Residents claim these individuals were not involved in criminal activity but were instead acting in defense of their neighborhood during the most recent wave of attacks. "Those arrested are not bandits," the protesters chanted, calling for their immediate and unconditional release. This clash underscores a growing tension in the region where local volunteer defense efforts often overlap—or conflict—with official military and police operations.

Background of the Gari Ya Waye Attack

The funeral was being held for victims of a brutal assault that took place on March 29, 2026, in the Gari Ya Waye settlement of Jos North Local Government Area. Eyewitnesses reported that over 20 heavily armed gunmen stormed the community in the early evening, shooting indiscriminately and killing at least 28 people. Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the massacre as a "senseless attack," while survivors continue to receive treatment for serious injuries at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.