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 reportedly stormed the community at about 1am and opened fire on the vigilantes, who were said to be on duty protecting residents.
A resident, John Dung, told our correspondent that the victims were members of the local vigilante group involved in efforts to protect the community from attacks.
He said the killings angered residents, particularly women and youths, who took to the streets and blocked the major road linking the community with Mangu.
The protesters reportedly called on soldiers stationed in the area to leave, expressing frustration over repeated attacks despite the presence of security personnel.
One of the protesters, Esther Pam, said residents were tired of losing loved ones to attacks.
“We are tired of people being killed, and security operatives would just sit and do nothing. We urge them to go after their attackers,” she said.
Confirming the incident, spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, BYM, Rwang Tengwong, described the killings as sad and disturbing.
Tengwong said the victims were killed while protecting the community, adding that their deaths had heightened fear among residents.
He said the vigilantes had been contributing to the security of the community by keeping watch and responding to threats, describing their deaths as a setback to local efforts to protect residents.
The BYM spokesman called on security agencies to intensify efforts to track down the attackers and bring them to justice.
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He also urged the authorities to take urgent measures to protect communities in Barkin Ladi and other parts of Plateau State.
Following the killings, women and youths blocked the major road, causing gridlock and leaving travellers stranded for hours.
Security personnel were later deployed to the area to maintain peace and prevent further escalation.
Efforts to obtain a reaction from security operatives before filing this report were unsuccessful.
