The family of 31-year-old filmmaker and makeup artist Khalid Wahid is demanding justice after abductors allegedly murdered him just hours after capturing him from his home, located approximately 10 metres from a police station in the Dong community of Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State.
Attack near police station
The incident occurred on 18 July at about 11 p.m. Two close friends of the deceased, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, told PREMIUM TIMES that gunmen exchanged fire with security personnel before taking Wahid away. Residents reported that some attackers positioned themselves on a nearby hill and opened fire towards the Dong Police Station, apparently to prevent officers from responding, while others surrounded Wahid's residence.
According to one friend, neighbours became alarmed after hearing gunshots and began calling each other to confirm everyone was safe. “When neighbours called Khalid, he told them he believed the gunmen were about to enter his house,” the friend said. The attackers allegedly cut through the property's electric barbed-wire fence and forced the security door open. “They dragged him out of the house wearing only his boxers. He had just finished watching a football match and was preparing to sleep.”
Brutal assault and death
The friend said Wahid appeared to have resisted the attackers after hiding his mobile phone. “They beat him severely. There were injuries all over his body, including his knees, stomach and back. The fatal injury appeared to be the deep wound inflicted on the back of his head.” Blood stains trailed from the house into the nearby bush, suggesting he was dragged after sustaining serious injuries. “They didn’t take his car, money, laptop or any valuables. His phone was later found around the house. That is why we believe this was an attempted kidnapping that went wrong.”
Another close friend said he received a call from neighbours shortly after the attack informing him that Wahid had been abducted. Family members and friends rushed to the house at daybreak after learning that the victim's mobile phone had been recovered at the scene. “There was blood in front of the house and traces leading into the bush behind it. The police and military asked everyone to leave while they searched.” Security personnel later followed the blood trail and discovered Wahid's body a short distance inside the bush. The body was taken to the hospital before being buried the same day in accordance with Islamic rites at the Zaria Road Cemetery.
Previous targeting and security concerns
Friends disclosed that this was not the first time Wahid had been targeted. He was kidnapped in 2023, after which security operatives arrested suspects linked to the incident. There was also another attempted kidnapping at his newly built house around December 2025, prompting him to reinforce the building's security doors. “The neighbours told us they attempted to kidnap him again months ago, and he strengthened the doors after that incident.”
One resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said kidnappings occur regularly in the Dong community. “People are kidnapped here almost every day. This should be the case that finally forces the authorities to end these attacks.” Another friend criticised the security agencies' failure to intervene despite the police station's proximity. “He trusted that police station. That was one of the reasons he built his house there. He even supported the officers whenever he could. When he needed protection, nobody came.” Residents later found bullet impacts on the police station, indicating that the attackers had fired towards the facility during the operation.
Demand for justice and protest
Friends of the deceased said they want a thorough investigation to identify those responsible and prevent further attacks. “We want justice for Khalid. We don’t want another family to experience this.” The victim's father, Mr Tunde Wahid, was unable to speak with journalists due to his emotional condition, according to relatives. Following the killing, residents and friends staged a peaceful protest demanding improved security and justice for the deceased. The demonstrators urged security agencies to intensify patrols, investigate the killing and dismantle criminal groups operating around Dong and neighbouring communities.
Renewed insecurity in Plateau State
Wahid's killing comes amid a resurgence of violent attacks across Plateau State. As previously reported by PREMIUM TIMES, suspected gunmen have carried out repeated attacks in Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bassa and Jos South in recent weeks, killing scores of residents. Security agencies have also repelled attempted attacks on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru. Security forces have announced several arrests and recoveries of illegal firearms during recent operations. Still, residents in several communities continue to complain of recurring kidnappings and attacks, particularly in rural areas surrounding Jos. The latest killing has renewed calls for authorities to strengthen security around vulnerable communities and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
