18-year-old vigilante killed in Plateau

Gunmen on Tuesday killed an 18-year-old vigilante member, Divine Dung Davou, during a midnight attack on Rachas Village in Heipang District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The incident occurred at about 12: 30 a.m. on Tuesday, while the victim was keeping watch over the area. The National Publicity Secretary of BYM, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the attack, saying the victim was a member of the community vigilante group. He said, “According to information available to the Association, Divine, who was a vigilante member of the community, was killed at about 1:2 30 a.m. during a midnight attack by armed men.” Tengwong said the killing had plunged the victim’s family and the Rachas community into mourning, while raising concerns over the safety of residents in vulnerable rural communities. He said, “BYM calls on the Plateau State Police Command and other security agencies to urgently investigate the killing, apprehend the perpetrators and strengthen security patrols, intelligence gathering and rapid response mechanisms in vulnerable communities.” The BYM spokesman urged the Plateau State and Federal Governments to take concrete measures to protect lives and property in communities repeatedly exposed to attacks. He said, “We urge the Plateau State and Federal Governments to move beyond routine assurances and implement concrete, sustained measures to protect lives and property, particularly in communities repeatedly exposed to attacks.” Tengwong expressed the association’s condolences to the bereaved family and residents of Rachas, urging security agencies to act swiftly to prevent further loss of lives. He said, “BYM extends its condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Rachas, while appealing for urgent action to prevent further loss of lives.” Spokesperson for Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Polycap Oteh, did not respond to the inquiry as of press time.