BREAKING: Panic As Chief Imam, Another Get Killed In Fresh Attack In Plateau

Fresh panic has gripped Tangur District of Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State as the Chief Imam of Jumma’at Mosque in Ndun village, Malam Muhammad Sani Idris, and an okada rider, Muhammad Gambo, were tragically killed in a recent attack.

Garba Abdullahi, Chairman of Gan Allah Fulani Development Association (GAFDAN), confirmed the incident and reported that the younger brother of the slain Imam, Salisu Muhammad Sani Idris, sustained injuries during the assault and is currently undergoing treatment at Dung Hospital in Bokkos town.

Abdullahi expressed deep concern over the incident, stating, “The chief Imam and his younger were attacked on Monday, after arriving at the community to collect some of their belongings left from the recent attacks where houses of our members were burned down.”

He added, “So, they went there to see if they could pick some of their property but suddenly were attacked. The hoodlums killed the imam while his younger brother survived machete wounds. The second deceased, Muhammed Gambo, an okada rider and our member, was killed on Monday around Bokkos Market while bringing a passenger to the area.”

He further informed that both incidents were promptly reported to the Police and Operation Safe Haven in Bokkos for immediate actions. The Chairman’s revelation comes in the wake of a series of attacks in the region, with about 23 villages in Bokkos LGA being targeted just a week ago, resulting in the tragic loss of over 150 lives.

However, at the time of reporting, there was no response from the spokespersons of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Captain Oya James, or the state police command, DSP Alabo Alfred, regarding the recent incidents. The attacks have heightened tensions in Plateau State, where clashes between herders and farming communities have become distressingly commonplace.

Notably, the recent visit of Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and the service chiefs to assess the security situation and show solidarity with victims underscores the gravity of the ongoing crisis. The service chiefs vowed to end the needless killings during their visit, but the state continues to grapple with the challenges of recurrent attacks and counterattacks, particularly between herders and farming communities.