Women in Plateau Block Burial of 28 Palm Sunday Attack Victims Over Arrests

Residents of Angwan Rukuba in Jos, Plateau State, were left in shock on Tuesday as a funeral service for victims of the Palm Sunday attack was disrupted by protesting women demanding the release of detained youths. The attack, which occurred on Palm Sunday, claimed the lives of at least 28 people, leaving several others injured.

The protesters, many armed with leaves and chanting songs, blocked the entrance to the church where the mass burial was scheduled, insisting that the burial could not proceed until authorities freed three youths reportedly arrested following the killings. Rhoda Aliyu, one of the women leading the protest, said, “We will not allow the burial to take place until our sons are released.” Another protester, Mathew Bulus, added, “Those arrested are innocent. The government should go after the real perpetrators and leave our youths alone.”

The demonstration heightened tensions as about seven bodies were brought to the church. Community sources confirmed that the women, supported by several youths, were calling for the unconditional release of the detained teenagers before proceeding with the burial.

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The Palm Sunday attack involved armed assailants—suspected bandits—who stormed Angwan Rukuba and the Gari Ya Waye neighborhoods around 8 p.m., firing indiscriminately at residents and leaving widespread devastation.

President Bola Tinubu, who visited Plateau State following the attack, expressed condolences and directed security agencies to apprehend the offenders. He also ordered the installation of over 5,000 AI-enabled CCTV cameras across the state to enhance 24-hour surveillance and prevent future attacks.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who had visited the affected areas, condemned the killings as a well-planned attempt to destabilize the state. He assured residents that justice would be served and urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to collaborate with security forces to restore peace. He also commended the people for maintaining calm and avoiding retaliation despite the provocation.

As of press time, security agencies had not responded publicly to the arrests or ongoing tensions. The protest underscores the deep frustration and fear among residents in bandit-affected communities in Plateau State, highlighting ongoing challenges in securing vulnerable areas and ensuring justice for victims.

Women in Plateau Block Burial of 28 Palm Sunday Attack Victims Over Arrests

Security Forces Deployed as Bandits Kill Three Residents in Niger Communities

At least three residents have been killed and several others injured after armed bandits attacked the Lanta, Tunga, and Bagna communities in the Erena ward of Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State. The attacks, which began around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, mark another deadly incident in the region’s growing insecurity crisis.

Eyewitnesses said the assailants arrived in large numbers on motorcycles, operating for several hours without resistance, looting properties and opening fire on residents before fleeing. Local sources warned that the death toll could rise as families continue to account for missing relatives. Many residents have reportedly fled to Erena town, considered a safer nearby settlement.

A local resident said, “So far, we have recovered three bodies. Many others sustained injuries of varying degrees. Many people have fled… We are calling on the government to come to our rescue.”

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Maurice Bello Magaji, Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, confirmed the incident and stated that the government is working with security forces to respond to the attacks and restore order. Officials say reinforcement teams and patrols have been deployed to the affected communities to prevent further casualties.

The attack highlights the deepening insecurity in rural Niger State, where armed bandits have frequently targeted villages, abducted residents, and caused widespread fear. Analysts note that bandits often exploit the remote terrain to carry out raids with minimal resistance, killing civilians, looting homes, and displacing populations.

Local leaders and residents have condemned the attacks, urging both state and federal authorities to intensify security measures and protect vulnerable communities. Meanwhile, displaced residents face uncertainty as they seek safety and access to basic services.

Security agencies have promised to track down the perpetrators, but analysts warn that sustained and coordinated action is necessary to curb banditry in Niger State and prevent further attacks.

Security Forces Deployed as Bandits Kill Three Residents in Niger Communities

Army Debunks Viral Claims by Ex-Soldier ‘Soja Boi’, Insists Allegations Are False

The Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations made by former lance corporal, Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as “Soja Boi,” describing his viral interview as misleading, false, and damaging to national security efforts.

In a statement released on April 7, the Army, through its spokesperson Appolonia Anele, clarified that Olamilekan was dismissed due to repeated acts of indiscipline and violations of military regulations, not for “speaking the truth” or expressing political opinions as claimed in the interview.

According to the Army, the former soldier’s dismissal followed due process and was based on serious misconduct, including breaches of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy. These violations, the military said, involved unauthorised media appearances, commercialisation of military identity, partisan content creation, and misuse of military uniform.

The Army stressed that the narrative being circulated online misrepresents the facts and could undermine public trust in the military, especially amid ongoing Nigeria security challenges.

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Responding to claims about poor welfare, the Army rejected assertions that personnel receive only basic salaries without additional support. It explained that the Nigerian Army salary structure is governed by the Manual of Financial Administration for Armed Forces of Nigeria (MAFA), which ensures a transparent and structured remuneration system based on rank and years of service.

It added that soldiers are entitled to various benefits, including uniform allowances and service-related entitlements, which are paid directly into their accounts. The Army further noted that personnel deployed in combat zones—such as Operation HADIN KAI—receive operational allowances and mission-specific incentives designed to support their welfare and effectiveness.

The military also debunked claims that troops are forced to purchase their own uniforms and protective equipment, describing such allegations as entirely false. It stated that all necessary kits, including uniforms, weapons, and operational gear, are issued through established logistics systems overseen by ordnance units.

Addressing concerns about troop safety, the Army insisted that no soldier is deployed without adequate protective equipment, including bulletproof vests and helmets. It described claims suggesting otherwise as deliberate misinformation aimed at misleading the public.

The Army warned that spreading unverified information could harm troop morale and national security, urging Nigerians to rely on official sources for accurate updates on military activities.

It concluded by calling on the public to disregard what it termed baseless allegations intended to generate sympathy and discredit the Armed Forces, reiterating its commitment to professionalism, discipline, and the welfare of its personnel.

The development comes as public scrutiny of the military continues to grow, with social media amplifying narratives around military welfare in Nigeria and operational transparency.

Army Debunks Viral Claims by Ex-Soldier ‘Soja Boi’, Insists Allegations Are False