Plateau Attack Deaths Rise to 33 as Govt Begins Manhunt

At Angwan Rukuba in Jos, Plateau State, the number of people killed in the recent Palm Sunday attack has increased to 33 after more victims who were receiving treatment in hospitals lost their lives. The update was given on Tuesday by Jeremiah Satmark, who represented Governor Caleb Mutfwang at a funeral held at a church in the community.

The state government said it is working to identify those behind the killings and bring them to justice, adding that the attack was aimed at causing division among residents. Authorities also confirmed that three young men arrested after the incident had been freed.

Leaders present at the funeral, including the Plateau chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Gomwalk Dunkan, called for open discussions among stakeholders and stressed that justice is needed to restore peace in the area.

Other speakers urged residents to remain calm while security agencies were asked to improve their response to prevent future attacks.

Tension rose during the funeral when some women and youths blocked the burial process, demanding the release of the detained youths. They claimed the arrested individuals were innocent and that those responsible for the attack had not been caught. The situation later eased when the released youths were brought to the venue, leading to celebrations among mourners.

A resident explained that the youths had been picked up by security personnel days after the attack while sitting near their homes and were later handed over to community leaders after their release. Burial activities resumed only after confirmation that they were free.

Only a few of the victims were brought to the church for the funeral, as many families had already buried their loved ones privately. The incident has added to concerns over repeated violence in the state and the need for better security and justice for affected communities.