The killing of a traditional ruler in Plateau State has heightened security concerns in Bokkos, following reports that his son had been abducted and freed days before the attack.
The monarch, Jatau Samkwar, the Mishkaham Bokkos, was shot at his residence in Daffo, Bokkos Local Government Area, on Monday night, October 12, and later died in hospital.
According to reports, the attackers invaded his residence and shot him in the legs. He was initially taken to a hospital in Daffo before being transferred to another medical facility, where he reportedly died.
The Mwaghavul Traditional Council, Bokkos branch, announced the killing and identified the attackers as Fulani militias. However, the identities of the perpetrators have not been independently established.
Kefas Mallai, chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos, confirmed the incident and expressed concern over recurring attacks in the area.
Mallai also disclosed that the monarch’s son had reportedly been abducted but regained his freedom on Sunday, a day before the attack on his father.
As of the time of filing this report, the Mwaghavul Chiefdom and the Mwaghavul Development Association had yet to issue official statements on the killing.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful, as his telephone lines were unreachable.
The killing comes amid continuing security challenges in Bokkos and other parts of Plateau State, where communities have experienced repeated attacks, killings and abductions.
In a separate incident, three people travelling on a motorcycle along a road linking communities in the area were reportedly attacked. Two were killed, while the third sustained injuries.
The latest incidents have renewed concerns over the safety of residents and traditional institutions in communities facing recurring security threats.
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