The Chief Imam of Jumma’at Mosque in Ndun village, Tangur District, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Malam Muhammad Sani Idris, and an Okada rider, Muhammad Gambo, fell victim to a fresh wave of violence.
Confirming the tragic event, Garba Abdullahi, Chairman of Gan Allah Fulani Development Association (GAFDAN), disclosed that the younger brother of the Chief Imam, Salisu Muhammad Sani Idris, sustained injuries during the attack and is currently receiving treatment at Dung Hospital in Bokkos town.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, follows closely on the heels of a brutal attack just a week ago, where 23 villages in Bokkos LGA were assaulted, resulting in the loss of over 150 lives.
Garba Abdullahi narrated the details of the incident, stating, “The Chief Imam and his younger brother were attacked when they arrived at the community to retrieve belongings left behind during the recent attacks. The assailants struck suddenly, claiming the life of the Imam while his younger brother survived with machete wounds.”
The second victim, Muhammad Gambo, an Okada rider and GAFDAN member, met his demise on Monday near Bokkos Market while transporting a passenger to the area. Both incidents have been reported to the Police and Operation Safe Haven in Bokkos.
Despite attempts to reach out for official statements, neither the spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Captain Oya James, nor that of the State Police Command, DSP Alabo Alfred, responded at the time of filing this report.
Notably, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, accompanied by service chiefs, visited the state on Sunday to assess the security situation and express condolences to the victims of recent attacks. The service chiefs pledged to end the cycle of violence during their visit to one of the affected communities.
Plateau State continues to grapple with recurring clashes between herders and farming communities, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable security measures.
