Women and youths in Plateau State blocked the Jos-Barkin Ladi-Mangu highway to call for better security and an end to the repeated attacks in the area.
It was gathered that there was tension in the Kassa community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State after gunmen shot dead three vigilantes, among them the community youth leader, during a night patrol.
Reports say the attackers invaded the community at about 1 am on Friday and opened fire on the vigilantes.
A resident, John Dung, informed our correspondent that the victims belonged to the local vigilante group that had been assisting in protecting the community.
He said, “The three vigilantes were on duty protecting the community when the gunmen came and shot them dead. They have been the ones helping us to keep watch at night.”
The killings led women and young people to block the highway for hours, halting traffic and leaving travelers stuck.
Esther Pam, one of the protesters, said residents were frustrated that the attacks continued despite the presence of security personnel.
She said, “We are tired of our people being killed while security operatives just sit and do nothing. We want them to go after the attackers. If they cannot protect us, they should leave our community.”
In confirming the incident, Rwang Tengwong, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, described the killings as disturbing.
Tengwong stated that the victims lost their lives while defending their community and that their deaths had increased fear among residents.
He urged security agencies to step up efforts to identify and arrest those responsible, while also calling on the government to reinforce security in Barkin Ladi and other vulnerable communities throughout the state.
While confirming the incident, Rwang Tengwong, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, described the killings as troubling.
Tengwong stated that the victims lost their lives while protecting their community and that their deaths had deepened fear among residents.
He urged security agencies to step up efforts to identify and arrest those responsible and also called on the government to reinforce security in Barkin Ladi and other at-risk communities throughout the state.
Security personnel were subsequently sent to the area to restore calm and stop the situation from escalating further.
The incident occurred amid a fresh wave of attacks on communities in parts of Plateau State, among them the Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Mangu, Bokkos, and Riyom local government areas.
On March 29, during the Palm Sunday period, gunmen attacked communities in Bassa and Barkin Ladi, killing several residents and forcing others to flee their homes.
The attacks led the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, to pay a condolence visit to the affected communities.
In addition, repeated attacks in Gashish and nearby communities in Barkin Ladi have forced residents to leave and raised growing concerns about security in the area.
During the week, the Plateau State House of Assembly had called for emergency security intervention and for the Mobile Police barracks in Gashish to be fully occupied.
In the meantime, the Plateau State Government condemned the Kassa attack, calling it “deeply regrettable and unacceptable.”
In a statement released on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, the government expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and said security agencies were working to apprehend those responsible.
The statement appealed to residents to keep the peace and stop blocking the highway, noting that such action could endanger travelers.
The government also reassured motorists and other road users that the road was clear and open and urged residents to stay alert and work with security agencies.
It further noted that the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang remained committed to deepening collaboration with security agencies and communities in order to improve security and sustain peace throughout the state.
