A grieving mother in Jos has drawn widespread attention after placing a cutlass inside the coffin of her slain son during his burial, in a dramatic expression of grief and a call for justice following recent violence in the area.
The woman, identified as Favour Ayuba, carried out the act during the funeral of her son, Promise Gideon Ayuba, who was killed in an attack linked to ongoing unrest in Plateau State. The incident occurred in the aftermath of violence that erupted around Palm Sunday, leaving multiple people dead and several others injured in communities within the region.
Eyewitness accounts and widely circulated videos show the mother placing a cutlass, wrapped in cloth, into the coffin before it was sealed. In an emotional outburst, she addressed her deceased son, urging him to avenge his death and seek out those responsible. The moment, captured on video, quickly spread across social media, sparking intense public reaction.
The killing of Promise Gideon Ayuba is one of several fatalities reported in attacks affecting parts of Jos North Local Government Area, particularly in communities such as Angwan Rukuba. The region has long experienced cycles of violence often associated with communal tensions, land disputes, and armed groups.
Residents say the latest attack has heightened fear and frustration, with many questioning the effectiveness of security measures in the area. The mother’s actions, while shocking to some, have been interpreted by others as a reflection of deep pain and a perceived lack of justice for victims of repeated violence.
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has since visited affected communities and met with victims’ families. During the visit, he expressed condolences and acknowledged the scale of the tragedy, assuring residents of the government’s commitment to improving security and preventing further attacks.
Public reaction to the incident remains divided. While some have expressed sympathy and described the act as a powerful symbol of grief, others have cautioned against rhetoric that could encourage retaliation and further escalate tensions in an already volatile region.
Security concerns continue to dominate discussions in Plateau State, as authorities face increasing pressure to address the root causes of the violence and restore confidence among residents. The burial of Promise Gideon Ayuba, marked by his mother’s symbolic gesture, has become a stark reminder of the human toll of the ongoing crisis.
