Gunmen Kill Three Vigilantes in Plateau Community as Residents Protest Over Insecurity
Three vigilantes, including a community youth leader, have been killed by gunmen in Kassa, Plateau State, sparking protests and a highway blockade by angry residents.
Three vigilantes have been killed by gunmen in Kassa community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, triggering protests by women and youths who blocked a major highway in anger over persistent attacks and what they described as inadequate security.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, September 25, 2026, when armed men reportedly invaded the community and opened fire on vigilantes who were on duty protecting residents.
The attack has further heightened tension in an area that has experienced repeated security challenges in recent weeks.
Gunmen Attack Vigilantes
According to residents cited by local media, the attackers stormed Kassa at about 1 a.m. and targeted members of the local vigilante group.
Three vigilantes were killed in the attack, with one of the victims reportedly identified as the youth leader of the community.
A resident, John Dung, told Vanguard that the victims were members of the community's vigilante group and had been involved in efforts to protect residents from attacks. The killings subsequently generated anger among residents who said the vigilantes were risking their lives to provide security for the community. (Vanguard News)
The Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) also described the killings as disturbing, saying the victims were protecting their community when they were attacked.
BYM spokesman Rwang Tengwong called for security agencies to intensify efforts to identify and arrest those responsible for the killings. (Daily Trust)
As of the latest reports, no group had publicly claimed responsibility for the attack.
Protesters Block Jos-Barkin Ladi Highway
Following the killings, women and youths in Kassa took to the streets to protest.
The demonstrators reportedly blocked the major highway linking Jos and Barkin Ladi, disrupting traffic and leaving some travellers stranded for hours.
The protesters expressed frustration over repeated attacks in the area and called for stronger security measures to protect communities.
According to reports, some protesters demanded that soldiers stationed in the area leave, accusing security personnel of failing to prevent attacks despite their presence in the community.
One protester, identified as Esther Pam, said residents were tired of losing their relatives and loved ones to attacks and called on security agencies to pursue those responsible.
The protest underscores the growing frustration among residents in parts of Plateau State, where communities have increasingly relied on local vigilantes and neighbourhood security arrangements to supplement formal security structures.
Plateau Government Appeals for Calm
The Plateau State Government condemned the latest attack and appealed to residents to remain calm.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the government described the killings as deeply regrettable and unacceptable.
The government also assured residents and motorists that security agencies were taking steps to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Authorities subsequently deployed security personnel to the area to maintain peace and prevent further escalation.
The government also appealed to protesters to avoid blocking the highway, warning that road blockades could expose travellers and other residents to additional risks.
It assured motorists that the road was open and urged citizens to continue their lawful activities while remaining vigilant and cooperating with security agencies.
Growing Security Concerns in Plateau
The Kassa attack comes against the backdrop of renewed violence in several parts of Plateau State.
Earlier in September, other communities in Barkin Ladi, Mangu and surrounding areas reported attacks in which civilians and community security volunteers were killed.
On September 16, three vigilantes were also reported killed when armed men attacked members of a local security group in NTV community in Barkin Ladi. The victims were reportedly on night duty when the attackers opened fire on them.
The latest violence has increased concerns about the vulnerability of communities, particularly at night, and the risks faced by residents who volunteer to protect their neighbourhoods.
The killings have also raised questions about the effectiveness of security measures introduced by the state government in response to the renewed attacks.
Curfew and Security Measures
The Plateau State Government has introduced dusk-to-dawn restrictions in some affected local government areas as part of efforts to contain the violence.
However, community groups have continued to call for stronger security operations, including increased patrols, improved intelligence gathering and faster responses to distress calls.
In a report on recent attacks, Channels Television said security concerns had persisted despite the curfew, with attacks reported in Barkin Ladi and Mangu. The police said investigations were ongoing to identify those responsible. (Channels TV)
The situation highlights the difficulty of relying solely on movement restrictions to prevent attacks when armed groups are still able to penetrate vulnerable communities.
Calls for Investigation
Community leaders have called for a thorough investigation into the Kassa killings and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
The BYM has urged security agencies to intensify efforts to track down those responsible, while also calling for urgent measures to protect communities across Barkin Ladi and other vulnerable areas.
The Plateau State Government has similarly urged traditional, religious and community leaders to work with security agencies to prevent further escalation.
The state government has previously appealed to residents affected by attacks to provide credible information to security agencies and resist retaliatory violence, warning that reprisals could further worsen insecurity. (FMINO)
Residents Demand Better Protection
For residents of Kassa, the latest deaths have renewed fears about their safety and the ability of local communities to defend themselves.
The fact that the victims were reportedly members of a vigilante group tasked with protecting the community has added another layer of concern.
The protesters' highway blockade was therefore not the cause of the deaths but a reaction to the killings.
As security agencies continue investigations, residents are demanding concrete measures to prevent further attacks and ensure that those responsible for the deaths are identified and prosecuted.
The immediate priority for authorities will be to restore calm, keep the Jos-Barkin Ladi highway safe for motorists and strengthen security around vulnerable communities.
For the families of the three slain vigilantes, however, the latest attack represents another devastating loss in Plateau State's continuing struggle with insecurity.