Jos Mother Sparks Outrage After Placing Cutlass in Son’s Coffin
Jos Mother Sparks Outrage After Placing Cutlass in Son’s Coffin
A wave of shock and mixed reactions has swept across Nigeria following a disturbing incident in Jos, where a grieving mother reportedly placed a cutlass in the coffin of her deceased son with instructions for him to “avenge his death.”
The unusual burial act, which has since gone viral on social media, has triggered intense public debate about grief, cultural beliefs, and the psychological toll of unresolved loss.
According to reports, the young man’s death was believed by family members to be suspicious, although official details surrounding the cause of death remain unclear. During the burial ceremony, the mother, overwhelmed with grief, allegedly placed a cutlass inside the coffin before it was sealed, declaring that her son should not rest until justice was served.
Eyewitnesses described the moment as emotional and unsettling, with mourners divided between sympathy for the grieving mother and concern over the symbolism of the act.
In many Nigerian communities, particularly in parts of the Middle Belt, beliefs surrounding the spiritual world and the afterlife often influence burial rites. However, the idea of arming the dead for revenge has drawn criticism from both cultural and religious observers.
Mrs Favour Ayuba, the bereaved mother of late Promise, who was killed by suspected terrorists in Jos, Plateau State, has told her late son to avenge his death.
In a viral video seen by one of our correspondents on Friday, the woman, speaking in an emotion-laden voice, said she had not eaten since the Palm Sunday terror attack that claimed his life.
Mrs Ayuba was earlier seen in a viral video clip crying while clutching to the lifeless body of her son, who had been hit by terrorists’ bullets.
The latest violence in Plateau State occurred on March 29, Palm Sunday, in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North Local Government Area, where gunmen attacked residents, killing at least 24 people and leaving several others injured
Some social media users expressed empathy, arguing that the mother’s actions were a manifestation of deep pain and a cry for justice. Others condemned it as dangerous, saying it promotes fear, superstition, and could incite further tension within the community.
Religious leaders have also weighed in, urging families to seek justice through lawful means rather than symbolic acts that may fuel unrest or spiritual anxiety.
Authorities have not confirmed any investigation directly tied to the burial act itself, but security experts warn that such public displays can heighten suspicion and potentially escalate conflicts, especially if the death is already surrounded by controversy.
Legal analysts emphasize that while grief can drive emotional decisions, justice must remain within the framework of the law. Calls have been made for a proper investigation into the young man’s death to provide clarity and possibly closure for the family.
Psychologists note that extreme expressions of grief are not uncommon, particularly in cases involving sudden or unexplained death. However, they stress the importance of emotional support systems to help families process loss in healthy ways.
This incident has once again highlighted the gap between traditional beliefs and modern legal systems, raising an important question: how should communities balance cultural expression with societal stability?
As conversations continue, many Nigerians are calling for calm, compassion, and a focus on uncovering the truth behind the young man’s death hoping that justice, rather than vengeance, will ultimately prevail.
