Tension erupted in Rachas Village in Heipang District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State after gunmen killed Divine Dung Davou, an 18-year-old vigilante member, in a midnight attack.
The tragedy, which happened on Tuesday at around 12:30 in the morning, has left the community in mourning and rekindled concerns about rural towns’ lack of protection.
In a statement on Tuesday, Rwang Tengwong, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, confirmed the murder.
“According to information available to the Association, Divine, a community vigilante, was killed at approximately 12:30 am during a midnight attack by armed men,” he stated.
Tengwong added that the entire Rachas community as well as the victim’s family had been devastated by the murder.
Speaking about the incident, locals characterised the late Divine as a dedicated young man who volunteered to defend his neighbourhood.
“We are heartbroken,” said a Rachas community leader who wished to remain anonymous. Divine was just eighteen. Since there is no nighttime security in our village, he joined the vigilante to defend it.
“Now he has died in an attempt to defend us, the government must not leave us behind.”
Another villager, Mrs. Mary Chollom, mentioned that anxiety had come back to the community.
“Last night, we were unable to sleep.” The sound of gunfire was overwhelming. We primarily are farmers, and we exist in fear.
“If our protector, the vigilante, is slain like this, who will safeguard us? We urge the government to send security forces to this region, ” She stated.
A young person in the community, Mr. Dalyop Gyang, also urged for justice.
“Divine was our sibling and a courageous young man. He didn’t deserve to perish like this. We desire the arrest of the murderers and increased security patrols. We must not keep losing our young people to gunmen,” he stated.
In response, the BYM urged immediate security action.
Tengwong stated, “BYM urges the Plateau State Police Command along with other security agencies to promptly probe the murder, catch the offenders, and enhance security patrols, intelligence collection, and swift response strategies in at-risk communities.”
He emphasized, “We call on the Plateau State and Federal Governments to go beyond standard promises and take effective, ongoing actions to safeguard lives and property, especially in areas frequently subjected to attacks.”
He added, “BYM expresses its sympathies to the grieving family and the residents of Rachas, while urging immediate measures to avert additional loss of life.”
Attempts to obtain a response from the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful at the time of submitting this report.
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