Women protest Youth arrested over targeted attacks, arson and coordinated attacks 

By: Zagazola Makama 

In Angwan Rukuba, Plateau State, a funeral for victims of violent attacks briefly took an unexpected break on Tuesday,  not for prayers, but for a protest.

Women stormed the church premises demanding the release of three youths recently arrested during a security operation. According to them, the youths were not suspects in any violent activity, but apparently local “security providers” who somehow ended up in detention while doing community service.

The arrests followed a late-night response by troops under Operation ENDURING PEACE to reports of sporadic gunfire, arson and coordinated violence. The youths attacked a Hausa man and set his home ablaze injuring two members of his family. Before they lynched him, the troops rushed to the scene and engaged the attackers in gun battle before they fled leaving this two behind. 

According to a security report, troops responding to distress calls about sporadic gunfire around 11:45 p.m. arrested two persons allegedly dressed in tactical-style uniforms said to be impersonating security operatives. The suspects were accused of participating in the burning of residential structures and coordinating attacks within the area.

The report further stated that two other individuals sustained gunshot wounds during the incident and were evacuated for medical attention, where they are said to be responding to treatment.

In a separate operation, troops also conducted stop-and-search patrols across Jos metropolis, including flashpoints such as Dadinkowa, Tudun Wada, Old Airport Junction, and the State Low-cost area. During the exercise, two additional suspects were arrested, with security personnel reportedly recovering a fabricated AK-47 rifle, four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a pump-action firearm, and a cutlass.

Troops also responded to a distress call in the Yelwa Cattle Market area of Shendam Local Government Area, where unidentified gunmen reportedly engaged in sporadic shooting before retreating into nearby bushes. Two injured civilians were later discovered and evacuated for treatment.

The military says the operations are part of efforts to restore normalcy and prevent further escalation of violence across the state.

However, the arrests sparked controversy in Angwan Rukuba, where groups of women—mostly residents of the community protested, insisting that those detained were “not criminals but youths protecting their community.” They demanded their immediate release, insisting the arrests were unjust.

The demonstration led to disruptions at the funeral ceremony for victims of recent attacks, further highlighting the deep mistrust between segments of the public and security agencies.

The incident pointed to a recurring pattern in parts of Plateau State, where criminals are protected by their community and enforcement actions are often met with community pushback, especially in highly polarised environments where competing narratives emerge after violent incidents.