Tension erupted in Gassa community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Friday after gunmen killed three vigilantes, including the youth leader of the community. The attackers stormed the community at about 1am on Friday, opening fire on the vigilantes who were on duty protecting the community. The victims were members of the local vigilante group involved in safeguarding residents from attacks.
A resident of the community, John Dung, said the killing of the vigilantes sparked anger among residents, particularly women and youths, who took to the streets and blocked the major highway linking the community with Mangu. The protesters expressed frustration over the repeated attacks despite the presence of security personnel. They demanded that soldiers stationed in the area leave the community.
One of the protesters, Mrs Esther Pam, lamented the killings, saying residents were tired of losing their loved ones to attacks. She urged security operatives to go after the attackers, expressing the community's frustration with the lack of effective security measures. The protesters' demands highlighted the escalating tensions and sense of insecurity in the area.
The spokesman of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident, describing the killings as sad and disturbing. He said the victims were killed while protecting their community, and their deaths had heightened fear among residents. Tengwong emphasized that the vigilantes had been contributing to the security of the community by keeping watch and responding to threats.
Tengwong called on security agencies to intensify efforts to track down the attackers and bring them to justice. He also urged authorities to take urgent steps to protect communities in Barkin Ladi and other parts of Plateau State. The BYM spokesman stressed that the killings were a serious setback to local efforts to protect residents.
Following the incident, women and youths blocked the major road in the community, causing tension and gridlock. Travellers were left stranded for hours as residents protested against the killings and demanded improved security. Security personnel were later deployed to the area to maintain peace and prevent further escalation.
Efforts to get a reaction from security operatives before filing this report were unsuccessful. The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Plateau State, where repeated attacks have left residents feeling frustrated and vulnerable. The local community is calling for more effective security measures to protect lives and property.
Key points
- The killing of the three vigilantes has heightened tensions and fears among residents in Barkin Ladi.
- The protesters are demanding improved security measures and the deployment of effective security personnel.
- The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Plateau State, where repeated attacks have left residents feeling frustrated and vulnerable.
