Tension gripped Kassa community in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on Friday after gunmen killed three vigilantes, including the community youth leader, during a night patrol. The victims were members of the local vigilante group helping to secure the community. A resident, John Dung, said the vigilantes were on duty protecting the community when the gunmen came and shot them dead.
The killings triggered a protest by women and youths, who barricaded the Jos-Barkin Ladi-Mangu highway, demanding improved security and an end to recurring attacks in the area. The protesters, including Esther Pam, expressed frustration by the continued attacks despite the presence of security personnel. They demanded that security operatives go after the attackers and called for their arrest.
The attackers stormed the community around 1 am on Friday and opened fire on the vigilantes. The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, Rwang Tengwong, described the killings as disturbing. He said the victims were killed while defending their community and that their deaths had heightened fear among residents.
Tengwong called on security agencies to intensify efforts to identify and arrest the perpetrators, while urging the government to strengthen security in Barkin Ladi and other vulnerable communities across the state. The Plateau State House of Assembly had, during the week, called for emergency security intervention and the full occupation of the Mobile Police barracks in Gashish.
Security personnel were later deployed to the area to restore order and prevent further escalation. The incident came amid renewed attacks on communities in parts of Plateau State, including Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Mangu, Bokkos and Riyom local government areas. On March 29, gunmen attacked communities in Bassa and Barkin Ladi during the Palm Sunday period, killing several residents and displacing others.
The Plateau State Government condemned the Kassa attack, describing it as “deeply regrettable and unacceptable.” In a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, the government commiserated with the families of the victims and said security agencies were taking steps to apprehend the perpetrators.
The government urged residents to maintain peace and desist from blocking the highway, saying such action could put travellers at risk. The administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang remained committed to strengthening collaboration with security agencies and communities to improve security and sustain peace across the state.
Key points
- The killings of the three vigilantes have heightened fear among residents and prompted calls for improved security in the area.
- The Plateau State Government has condemned the attack and urged residents to cooperate with security agencies.
- The incident is part of a series of renewed attacks on communities in parts of Plateau State.
