Gunmen kill traditional leader in Plateau

The traditional ruler of Timshat in Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State, Godwin Vonga, was killed by gunmen along the Timshat, Mabudi Road.

Mr Vonga, who previously served as a councillor for the Nasarawa Ward in Langtang South, was attacked on Sunday. He was on his way home after dropping his children off at school in Mabudi.

Residents are in mourning following the killing. A community member, Nanbol Pirfa, described Mr Vonga as a respected traditional leader and public servant.

Pirfa said the reasons behind the attack are still unclear. The Chairman of Langtang South Local Government Area, Nanfa Nbin, condemned the killing, calling it barbaric and unacceptable.

In a statement from his spokesman, Butko Iliya, the chairman expressed condolences to Mr Vonga's family, the people of Timshat, and the residents of Langtang South. He promised that those behind the killing would be found and brought to justice.

Nbin also encouraged residents to work with security agencies by sharing any information that could help the investigation. He warned criminals in the area to stop their unlawful activities or face serious consequences.

This killing is part of a larger issue of rising security concerns across Plateau State. Many communities have faced deadly attacks in recent weeks.

On 1 June, at least eight people were killed and 10 others injured when gunmen attacked Gwon-Ajang village in Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area during a birthday celebration.

Residents reported that the attackers opened fire on villagers at the gathering, causing panic and leaving several dead and injured. Just earlier, on 10 May, two young men, Peter Dung, 22, and Amos Bele Danbwarang, 19, were killed in an ambush in Kyeng village, Bachi District of Riyom Local Government Area.

The Berom Youth Moulders Association stated that armed attackers shot the victims before fleeing the scene. The violence continued in May with deadly attacks in Bassa and Barkin Ladi local government areas.

On 9 May, at least 12 people, including pregnant women and children, were killed during a midnight raid on Ngbra-Zongo village in Bassa Local Government Area. Just days before, on 5 May, gunmen attacked the Nding Susut community in Barkin Ladi, killing five people, including four women and a nine-year-old boy, while many others were injured.

In response to the violence, police have sent additional personnel and resources to affected areas. Governor Caleb Mutfwang has also held security meetings and visited impacted locations, promising that the people responsible for the attacks would be brought to justice.

The killing of the Timshat traditional ruler has increased worries about safety in rural communities across Plateau. Residents are calling for stronger actions to protect their lives and property. As of now, the state police command has not released any statement about the incident. Calls and messages to the Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, have not received a response.