Suspected gunmen have killed the Mishkaham Bokkos, Da Jatau Yohanna Samkwar, after shooting him at his residence in Daffo, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Gatekeepers News reports that Samkwar was reportedly attacked on Monday night and shot in the leg before being rushed to a hospital in Daffo for treatment.
He was later referred to another medical facility but died on Wednesday, according to a community leader.
Kefas Mallai, chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, confirmed the incident to journalists, expressing concern over the deteriorating security situation in the area.
“They came to his house at night and shot him in the leg. He was rushed to a hospital in Daffo, but he was later referred to another hospital. Unfortunately, he died,” Mallai said.
He disclosed that the traditional ruler’s son had allegedly been kidnapped earlier but was released on Sunday, before the attackers reportedly returned to the residence and shot his father.
Mallai said the recurring attacks and killings had become a major concern in Bokkos, adding that residents continued their daily activities despite the security challenges.
“The incidents are too many in Bokkos. Almost every day, somebody is killed or something happens. The situation is becoming normalised to the extent that people no longer report every incident because they have become used to hearing about killings,” he said.
He added that markets remained open and businesses continued to operate despite the prevailing insecurity.
“People are still moving about, markets are open and businesses are going on. People cannot stop running their businesses because of fear, even though the security situation remains a concern,” Mallai said.
The community leader also reported a separate attack on three people travelling on a motorcycle along a road linking communities in the area. He said two of the victims were allegedly killed, while the third sustained injuries.
According to Mallai, the incident occurred in broad daylight, raising further concerns about the safety of residents travelling between communities in Bokkos.
He said some residents relied on security information before embarking on journeys, adding that community members were sometimes advised to avoid certain routes when intelligence reports indicated possible danger.
Security operatives could not be reached for comments, as efforts to obtain official confirmation were unsuccessful as of press time.
