Family of Murdered Filmmaker Calls for Justice

The family of Khalid Wahid, a 31-year-old filmmaker and makeup artist, is asking for justice after he was allegedly killed by his abductors just hours after they took him from his home. This incident happened on 18 July near a police station in the Dong community, located in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Khalid's home is about 10 metres away from the Dong Police Station. Residents reported that gunmen shot at security personnel before taking him away. Khalid had survived previous attacks, which led him to strengthen the security of his home.

Alfred Alabo, the spokesperson for the state police command, did not answer calls or texts for comments on the matter.

Night of Attack

Two close friends of Khalid, who wanted to stay anonymous, told PREMIUM TIMES that the attack happened around 11 p.m. on a Saturday. One friend mentioned that neighbours became worried when they heard gunshots and began checking on each other’s safety.

“When neighbours called Khalid, he told them he believed the gunmen were about to enter his house,” one friend said. Some attackers took positions on a nearby hill, shooting at the police station to distract the officers while others surrounded Khalid's home.

The attackers reportedly cut through the electric barbed-wire fence and broke open the security door. “They dragged him out wearing only his boxers. He had just finished watching a football match and was getting ready for bed.”

The friend added that Khalid seemed to fight back after hiding his mobile phone. “They beat him badly. There were injuries all over his body, including his knees, stomach, and back. The worst injury was a deep wound on the back of his head.”

According to the witness, blood stains led from the house into the bush, indicating that Khalid was dragged after being hurt badly. “They didn’t take his car, money, laptop, or any valuables. His phone was found around the house, which is why we think this was an attempted kidnapping that went wrong.”

Discovery of the Body

Another close friend said he got a call from neighbours soon after the attack, informing him that Khalid had been taken. He said that family and friends rushed to the house at daybreak after they learned that Khalid's phone was found at the scene.

“There was blood in front of the house and trails leading into the bush behind it. The police and military told everyone to leave while they searched.” According to him, security personnel later followed the blood trail and found Khalid's body a short distance into the bush.

The body was taken to the hospital and buried the same day according to Islamic customs at the Zaria Road Cemetery. The friend recalled arriving at the hospital and seeing the body uncovered. “People were taking photographs. I had to go home and bring a bedsheet to cover him.”

Previous Attacks

Friends revealed that this was not the first time Khalid had been targeted. They said he was kidnapped in 2023, and security forces arrested some suspects tied to that event. There was also another attempted kidnapping at his new house in December 2025, which led him to reinforce the security doors.

“The neighbours told us they tried to kidnap him again a few months ago, and he strengthened the doors after that incident.”

Call for Justice

Friends, neighbours, and community members say Khalid’s death has raised concerns about the ongoing kidnappings in Dong. One resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, said kidnappings happen almost daily in the area. “This should be the case that finally forces the authorities to stop these attacks.”

Another friend criticized the security agencies for not intervening despite the police station being so close. “He trusted that police station. That was one reason he built his house there. He even supported the officers when he could. When he needed help, nobody came.” The source noted that residents later found bullet impacts on the police station, showing that the attackers shot at the facility during the operation.

Friends of Khalid are demanding a full investigation to find those responsible and prevent more attacks. “We want justice for Khalid. We don’t want another family to go through this.” Khalid’s father, Mr Tunde Wahid, could not speak to reporters because he was very emotional, as relatives said.

Community Protest

After Khalid’s death, residents and friends held a peaceful protest to demand better security and justice for him. The demonstrators called for security agencies to step up patrols, investigate the murder, and dismantle criminal groups in Dong and nearby areas.

Renewed Insecurity

Khalid’s death comes as violence rises across Plateau State. As reported by PREMIUM TIMES, suspected gunmen have attacked communities in Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, and Jos South in recent weeks, killing many residents. At the same time, security forces have repelled attempts to attack the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru.

Security forces have made several arrests and recovered illegal weapons during recent operations. Still, many residents complain about ongoing kidnappings and attacks, especially in rural areas around Jos. Khalid’s killing has renewed calls for the authorities to boost security in vulnerable communities and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.