By Godfrey Sunwar.
A tense situation unfolded in Jos, Plateau State, on Tuesday as women and children took to the streets to protest the arrest of three youths from Angwan Rukuba, allegedly for defending their community against recent terrorist attacks.
The demonstration, which began peacefully, quickly escalated into a clash with security operatives, disrupting a funeral service for seven victims of the attacks at the ECWA Gospel Church.
The protesters, who claimed the arrested youths were innocent, demanded their immediate release, chanting slogans ” no release of our children, no burial” and blocking the church entrance to prevent mourners from attending the funeral service.
The atmosphere was charged, with eyewitnesses describing the scene as “volatile” and “explosive”.
The protest stems from a March 29 attack on Gari Ya Waye, a settlement in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, where heavily armed gunmen killed no fewer than 28 people.
Residents have been living in fear, and the latest development has further heightened tensions.
Authorities have imposed a 7:00 am to 3:00 pm curfew in Jos North, while other parts of the state are gradually returning to normalcy.
The situation remains fluid, with residents anxiously awaiting the outcome of the protests and the fate of the arrested youths.
