Murdered motorcyclist found in Plateau as killings continue

The body of a murdered motorcycle rider was found along Longvel Road in Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State. His motorcycle was reported stolen.

The killing was reported on Monday. It is similar to other attacks on motorcycle riders in the state. This adds to a series of violent incidents involving farmers, travelers, vigilantes, and traditional leaders in recent weeks.

As of Monday, the identity of the victim and the details of his death were still unclear.

Henry Homsuk, a local resident, said people woke up to the shocking news. “Sadly, someone would be killed and his motorcycle taken away,” Mr Homsuk said.

He mentioned that the incident has been reported to security operatives. He urged them to investigate the killing, recover the stolen motorcycle, and catch those responsible.

Mr Homsuk also called for better security along Longvel Road and other vulnerable areas in Shendam. He said residents should be able to go about their daily activities without fear.

Attempts to reach security operatives to confirm the incident were not successful at the time of reporting.

The killing in Shendam is like several other reported murders of motorcycle riders in Plateau. In these cases, victims were attacked and their motorcycles stolen.

On 23 September, an unidentified person was killed along the Maikatako, Foloh Road in Butura District, Bokkos Local Government Area. This incident is believed to involve armed robbers who stole the victim’s motorcycle.

A report from security-focused publication Zagazola Makama said troops of Operation Enduring Peace responded at about 3:50 p.m. They found the victim's body after the suspected attackers had fled.

The body was handed over to the police in Bokkos for further action. Security forces began searching for the attackers.

Earlier, on 25 August, gunmen killed Danladi Idi Dakum while he was riding his motorcycle along the Matelem, Ndung Road in Tangur District, also in Bokkos.

According to Zagazola Makama, troops in the area responded to reports about the attack and found Mr Dakum dead at the scene. Initial information suggested that the attackers may have been motorcycle thieves.

In another case, an unidentified motorcyclist was killed along the Nyong, Bodel Road in Bokkos on 4 September.

Zagazola Makama reported that troops found the victim’s body beside his motorcycle. The attackers had escaped before the troops arrived.

These incidents have raised worries about the safety of motorcycle riders and other road users. This is especially concerning on routes linking rural communities where people rely on motorcycles for transport and business.

But there is no evidence showing that the killings are linked or that the same people did them.

The Shendam killing also reminds people of the discovery of a mutilated body behind Monday Market in Pankshin Local Government Area earlier in October.

Residents found the unidentified man's body on 6 October and alerted security operatives.

A community member, Panshak Rogo, told journalists that some parts of the body, including the ears and nose, were cut off.

The remains were taken to General Hospital, Pankshin. Residents urged anyone with information about missing relatives or the deceased’s identity to contact the police.

This discovery came two days after separate attacks in Jos South, Mangu, and Riyom local government areas that reportedly left at least 13 people dead.

In one of the attacks, nine passengers traveling towards Jos were killed when gunmen opened fire on their vehicle at Dungus in Jos South. Two people were also killed in an attack on Vodni community in Pushit District, Mangu, while two others died in a separate attack at Tahoos in Riyom.

These killings have raised concerns about security in the state. Communities continue to report attacks on residents and travelers.

Violence has also affected traditional institutions and local security groups in Plateau.

On 12 October, gunmen attacked Jatau Samkwar, the Mishkaham Bokkos, at his home in Daffo, Bokkos Local Government Area. He later died after getting medical attention.

The Mwaghavul Traditional Council, Bokkos branch, announced his death. Community peace observers expressed worry over ongoing attacks in the area.

Earlier in October, four vigilantes were reportedly killed when gunmen attacked Shurum village in Dorowa Babuje District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

Community sources said the victims were on duty protecting residents when the attackers struck.

On 24 October, a woman was killed and two others injured while harvesting groundnuts at Gwom-Ajang in Foron District, Barkin Ladi.

This attack led community representatives to call for better security and protection for farmers.

The incidents have affected farmers, travelers, vigilantes, traditional leaders, and commercial transport operators. This shows the dangers residents face across several local government areas.

In Shendam, residents are asking security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the rider’s death, recover the stolen motorcycle, and bring the attackers to justice.

As of Monday, security operatives had not publicly confirmed the incident or announced any arrests.