Tension erupted in Kassa community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Friday morning after gunmen reportedly killed three vigilantes, including the youth leader of the community.
The attack, which reportedly occurred around 1am, triggered protests by women and youths, who blocked the Jos–Barkin Ladi highway in anger over the killings and what they described as recurring security threats in the area.
The road blockage caused traffic congestion and reportedly left some motorists and travellers stranded for hours before security personnel moved into the area.
The Plateau State Government condemned the attack and appealed to residents to remain calm while security agencies work to apprehend those responsible.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, the government described the incident as “deeply regrettable and unacceptable” and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
The government also assured motorists and other road users that the Jos–Barkin Ladi highway had been cleared and was open to traffic.
It urged residents not to block the highway, warning that such action could expose motorists and other members of the public to additional risks.
“The government wishes to assure travellers that the road is clear and open to motorists and other road users,” the statement said.
The killing of the vigilantes has heightened concerns over the security situation in Barkin Ladi, one of several Plateau local government areas that have recently experienced deadly attacks.
A spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, described the latest killings as disturbing and said the victims had been protecting their community.
He called on security agencies to intensify operations aimed at identifying the attackers and preventing further attacks on vulnerable communities.
The latest incident comes amid a series of security challenges across Plateau State. The state government had earlier imposed a 6pm to 6am curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu local government areas following a series of deadly attacks. The government also announced a ban on motorcycles in the affected areas as part of measures to restore security.
Earlier reports have also documented attacks on vigilantes in Barkin Ladi. On September 23, two vigilantes were reportedly killed in Yelwa village, with security sources saying troops subsequently conducted search operations in the area.
The repeated targeting of community vigilantes has raised concerns about the risks faced by residents who participate in local security efforts, particularly in communities where formal security personnel may not be permanently stationed.
The Plateau Initiative for Growth and Development has meanwhile urged residents to remain vigilant, provide credible information to security agencies and avoid reprisals or attempts to blame entire ethnic or religious communities for crimes committed by individuals.
Security personnel were deployed to Kassa following Friday’s attack to maintain order and prevent further escalation.
Authorities have yet to publicly identify the attackers or announce arrests in connection with the killings.
The state government urged traditional, religious and community leaders to work with security agencies and called on residents to cooperate with authorities while efforts continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and bring those responsible to justice.
