Plateau Youths Protest Alleged Arrest of Vigilantes Ahead of Mass Burial

Tension flared in Plateau State as youths in the Angwan Rukuba community staged a protest over the alleged arrest of local vigilantes by security agencies ahead of a mass burial for victims of recent attacks.

The demonstrators, drawn from the Angwan Rukuba axis where over 30 persons were killed, accused authorities of targeting vigilantes who were reportedly carrying out lawful duties to protect their communities.

The protest took place in front of the ECWA Gospel Church, where a mass service was scheduled in honour of those killed during the March 29 attacks.

Some of the protesters who spoke with journalists described the arrests as indiscriminate and deeply troubling, questioning the timing of the action amid ongoing grief in affected families.

They specifically raised concerns about the role of the Nigerian Army, alleging that innocent individuals were being rounded up despite the emotional and security challenges facing the community.

Youth representatives, including Fwanju Josiah and Mark Lere, also condemned the arrests, urging authorities to review their actions and focus on bringing the actual perpetrators of the violence to justice.

The protest underscores growing frustration among residents over the handling of security operations in the aftermath of the deadly attacks.