Suspected gunmen shot and killed Mishkaham Yohanna Jatau Samkwar, the traditional leader of the Mwaghavul people in Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State, at his residence in Daffo on the night of October 13, 2026. The attack occurred just one day after his son, Zuhumnan Nanle, was released from kidnappers who had abducted him on October 3, 2026.
Attack Follows Son's Release from Kidnappers
According to Daily Trust, Samkwar was shot in the leg at his home and was initially taken to a hospital in Daffo before being transferred to a cottage hospital in Mangu, where he later died from his injuries. Bulus Dabit, National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association, drew a direct link between the attack and the recent kidnapping of the leader's son.
Dabit stated: "His son was released on the 12 October, 2026. This release was followed immediately by an attack on the family during which the Mishkaham was shot on the evening of 13 October 2026. It is very clear that the recent attackers are the kidnappers."
Association Condemns Targeted Violence
The Mwaghavul Development Association condemned what it described as targeted violence against its people. The group called for "the immediate arrest and prosecution of the suspects by relevant security agencies and the judiciary respectively," and demanded "an immediate stoppage of the selective killing of our people."
The association's statement underscores growing frustration among community members over the persistent attacks in the area.
Security Crisis in Bokkos Deepens
Kefas Mallai, Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, confirmed the incident and described the circumstances. "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.
Mallai painted a grim picture of security in the area, warning that persistent attacks had dulled residents' sense of alarm. "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.
Despite the violence, Mallai noted that life in Bokkos had not come to a standstill. "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," he added.
No Arrests Announced, Broader Violence Continues
At the time of reporting, no arrests had been announced, and security agencies in Plateau State had not issued a public statement on the killing.
In a separate incident, gunmen killed Rwas Paul Danladi, former chairman of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, on Wednesday evening along the Gashish-Barkin Ladi road. The BYM confirmed the killing and said two other people were injured in separate attacks across Berom communities on the same day. The association called on the Plateau State Government and security agencies to investigate and strengthen surveillance in Barkin Ladi and surrounding areas.
