Plateau Attack: Gunmen Kill Youth Leader and Two Vigilantes as Residents Protest
Residents of Gassa community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State have protested after gunmen killed three local vigilantes, including the community’s youth leader.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Friday, September 25, 2026. According to reports, the attackers entered the community at about 1 a.m. and opened fire on vigilantes who were on duty.
The three victims were reportedly members of a local vigilante group involved in protecting residents from attacks.
Their deaths triggered anger in the community and prompted residents to take to the streets.
Gunmen Attack Community Vigilantes
Residents said the victims were keeping watch over the community when the attackers struck.
A resident identified as John Dung told journalists that the three men had been helping to protect residents and were part of efforts to improve security in the area.
The attack has raised fresh concerns about the safety of communities in Barkin Ladi, an area that has experienced repeated security incidents.
The circumstances surrounding the attackers’ identities and their motive were not immediately established in the reports.
Security agencies are expected to investigate the incident and work to identify those responsible.
Protest Erupts After Killings
The killings sparked a protest involving women and youths in Gassa.
The protesters reportedly blocked the major highway connecting the community with Mangu. They expressed anger over the repeated attacks and questioned the effectiveness of security measures in the area.
Some protesters also called on soldiers stationed in the community to leave, saying residents were frustrated by the continued violence despite the presence of security personnel.
One protester, Esther Pam, said residents were tired of losing their loved ones and urged security agencies to pursue the attackers.
The protest temporarily disrupted movement along the affected route as residents demanded stronger action to protect the community.
Youth Leader Among Those Killed
The death of the community youth leader has added to the anger surrounding the attack.
Community youth leaders and vigilantes often play an important role in monitoring vulnerable areas and alerting residents during security threats.
The Berom Youth Moulders-Association described the killings as disturbing and called for stronger security measures in affected communities.
The organisation also urged security agencies to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack.
Plateau Faces Repeated Security Challenges
The latest incident comes amid continued concerns over insecurity in several parts of Plateau State.
Communities in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bokkos and other local government areas have experienced attacks and killings at different times.
Earlier incidents have also triggered protests, with residents demanding greater protection and faster responses to security threats.
In February 2026, youths and women in Barkin Ladi blocked a major highway following attacks that left 10 people dead.
More recently, other attacks across Plateau have also resulted in fatalities, reinforcing concerns about the security situation in rural communities.
Calls for Stronger Security
The latest killings have renewed calls for security agencies to increase patrols, intelligence gathering and rapid response in vulnerable communities.
For residents of Gassa, the immediate concern is preventing further attacks and ensuring that those responsible for the deaths of the three vigilantes are identified.
The incident also highlights the risks faced by community members who volunteer to protect others during periods of insecurity.
Authorities have yet to publicly announce arrests linked to the latest attack. Further details are expected as investigations continue.
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