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Suspected gunmen have killed the Mishkaham of the Mwaghavul people in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Jatau Yohanna Samkwar, days after his son was reportedly released from captivity.
Samkwar was allegedly attacked at his residence in Daffo, Bokkos LGA, on the evening of October 13, 2026, when the assailants shot him in the leg. He was rushed to a hospital before being referred to another medical facility in Mangu, where he later died from his injuries.
The incident was confirmed by the National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association, Bulus Dabit, who expressed grief over the killing and called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible. Blueprint reports
The killing has heightened concerns about the security situation in Bokkos, where residents have continued to face attacks, killings and kidnapping incidents.
According to Dabit, the community leader’s son, Zuhumnan Nanle, was kidnapped on October 3 and released on October 12, barely a day before the attack on his father.
The association alleged that the killing was connected to the earlier abduction, although the circumstances surrounding the attack and the identities of the perpetrators have not been independently established.
Community alleges link between killing and kidnapping
Dabit said the Mwaghavul community was mourning the death of its traditional leader, who was attacked at his residence in Daffo.
In his account of the incident, the association’s president recalled that Nanle had been abducted on October 3 and regained his freedom on October 12.
He said the release was followed by the attack on the family the next day, during which Samkwar was shot.
The association alleged that the attackers were connected to those who had kidnapped the deceased’s son, describing the sequence of events as deeply troubling.
However, the allegation remains the community’s position, and further investigation would be required to establish the identities of the attackers and determine their motive.
The Mwaghavul Development Association condemned the killing, describing the incident as an unacceptable act of violence against the community.
It called on relevant security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify the suspects and bring them before the courts.
The association also demanded an end to what it described as selective killings of its people, warning that continued attacks were worsening the community’s sense of insecurity.
The death of Samkwar has added to the concerns of residents who have repeatedly called for stronger protection against armed attacks and criminal activities in parts of Plateau State.
Peace observers raise alarm over insecurity
The Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, Kefas Mallai, also confirmed the incident and expressed concern over the persistent security challenges in the area.
Mallai said the attackers arrived at the community leader’s residence at night and shot him in the leg before he was taken to hospital.
According to him, Samkwar was initially taken to a medical facility in Daffo before being referred to another hospital. He eventually died from the gunshot injuries.
Mallai also linked the incident to the earlier kidnapping of the traditional ruler’s son, who was reportedly released on October 12.
He expressed concern that repeated attacks and killings were creating an atmosphere in which violence was becoming increasingly familiar to residents.
“The incidents are too many in Bokkos. Almost every day, somebody is killed or something happens,” he said, lamenting that some residents no longer report every incident because of the frequency of attacks.
His remarks highlight the challenges confronting communities attempting to maintain normal social and economic activities while dealing with recurring security threats.
Residents continue daily activities despite attacks
Despite the prevailing security concerns, Mallai said residents were continuing with their daily activities, including trading and other businesses.
He noted that markets remained open and people continued moving around, adding that economic activities could not simply be abandoned because of fear.
The situation, however, presents a difficult balance for residents who must sustain their livelihoods while remaining concerned about their safety.
Persistent attacks can disrupt community life, place pressure on families and businesses, and undermine confidence in the ability of security agencies to protect lives and property.
The killing of a prominent community leader is particularly significant because traditional and community leaders often serve as important points of contact between residents, local authorities and security institutions.
His death is therefore likely to deepen concerns among residents over the safety of community representatives and other vulnerable people in the area.
Calls for investigation and prosecution
The Mwaghavul Development Association has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for Samkwar’s death.
The demand places renewed attention on the need for an investigation capable of establishing the circumstances of the attack, determining whether it was connected to the earlier kidnapping and identifying those who carried it out.
The association also urged the relevant authorities to address the recurring attacks against its members and ensure that those responsible for criminal violence are held accountable.
Beyond the investigation into the killing, the incident has renewed questions about the security of communities in Bokkos and the measures required to prevent further attacks.
Residents’ ability to continue their daily activities does not diminish the seriousness of the situation described by community representatives, who say killings and other incidents have become frequent.
As of the accounts provided by the community representatives, no suspects had been identified publicly in connection with Samkwar’s killing.
The incident underscores the continuing security concerns in Bokkos, where residents are demanding stronger protection, a thorough investigation and justice for the slain community leader
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