By Golok Nanmwa, Jos
Tension erupted in Gassa community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Friday after gunmen killed three vigilantes, including the youth leader of the community.
The attackers reportedly stormed the community at about 1am on Friday and opened fire, killing the three vigilantes who were said to be on duty protecting the community.
A resident of the community, John Dung, told our correspondent that the victims were members of the local vigilante group who had been involved in efforts to safeguard residents from attacks.
He said the killing of the vigilantes sparked anger among residents, particularly women and youths, who took to the streets and blocked the major highway linking the community with Mangu.
The protesters reportedly called on soldiers stationed in the area to leave the community, expressing frustration over the repeated attacks despite the presence of security personnel.
One of the protesters, Mrs Esther Pam, lamented the killings, saying residents were tired of losing their loved ones to attacks.
“We are tired of people being killed, and security operatives would just sit and do nothing. We urge them to go after their attackers,” she said.
Confirming the incident, spokesman of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, BYM, Rwang Tengwong, described the killings as sad and disturbing.
Tengwong said the victims were killed while protecting their community, adding that their deaths had further heightened fear among residents.
He said the vigilantes had been contributing to the security of the community by keeping watch and responding to threats, stressing that their killings were a serious setback to local efforts to protect residents.
The BYM spokesman called on security agencies to intensify efforts to track down the attackers and bring them to justice, while urging authorities to take urgent steps to protect communities in Barkin Ladi and other parts of Plateau State.
Following the incident, women and youths blocked the major road in the community, causing tension in the area as residents protested against the killings and demanded improved security.
The development created gridlock, leaving travellers stranded for hours.
Security personnel were later deployed to the area to maintain peace and prevent further escalation.
Efforts to get a reaction from security operatives before filing this report were unsuccessful.
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