Tension in Plateau as Chief Imam, Okada Rider Brutally Killed in Fresh Attack

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Chief Imam of Jumma’at Mosque in Ndun village, Tangur District, Plateau State, Malam Muhammad Sani Idris, and okada rider, Muhammad Gambo, fell victim to a brutal attack.

The Chairman of Gan Allah Fulani Development Association (GAFDAN), Garba Abdullahi, confirmed the tragic incident, revealing that the younger brother of the slain Imam, Salisu Muhammad Sani Idris, sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at Dung Hospital in Bokkos town.

Abdullahi reported the incident to security agencies in Bokkos, urging swift action. He recounted the harrowing details, stating, “The chief Imam and his younger brother were attacked on Monday, as they returned to the community to retrieve belongings left behind during the recent attacks. Hoodlums ambushed them, claiming the life of the Imam, while his younger brother survived with machete wounds.”

In a separate incident, Muhammad Gambo, an okada rider and GAFDAN member, met his tragic end on Monday near Bokkos Market while transporting a passenger. Both incidents have been reported to the Police and Operation Safe Haven in Bokkos.

Despite attempts to seek official statements, the spokespersons of Operation Safe Haven and the state police command remained unresponsive at the time of this report.

These latest casualties add to the grim toll in Bokkos Local Government Area, occurring just a week after a series of attacks in which over 150 people lost their lives across 23 villages. The situation has escalated tensions, with recurring clashes between herders and farming communities in the state.

The Sunday visit of Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, accompanied by service chiefs, aimed to assess the security situation and express condolences to victims of recent attacks. During the visit, the service chiefs pledged to put an end to the senseless killings plaguing the state.

Plateau State continues to grapple with a distressing cycle of attacks and counterattacks, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive measures to restore peace and security in the region.