Grief has shrouded Ndun Tangur, a town in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, following the killing of Mallam Muhammad Idris, a religious leader, and Muhammad Gambo, a commercial motorcyclist, by suspected bandits.
Mallam Idris, who served as the Chief Imam of Jumma’at Mosque in Ndun Tangur, lost his life in the attack, while his younger brother, Salisu Idris, suffered injuries. The incident occurred as the siblings attempted to retrieve their belongings left behind during the Christmas Eve attacks by suspected bandits, which claimed the lives of over 160 individuals, labeled as genocide by Governor Caleb Muftwang.
Senator Diet Plang, representing Plateau Centre, expressed grief over the violence and urged the establishment of military bases in the troubled areas. Garba Abdullahi, Chairman of Gan Allah Fulani Development Association (GAFDAN), confirmed the incident, stating that the Chief Imam and his younger brother were attacked upon returning to the community. The assailants killed the Imam, while his brother sustained machete wounds. Additionally, the Okada rider, Muhammed Gambo, was killed while transporting a passenger to the area. The incidents have been reported to the Police and Operation Safe Haven in Bokkos.
Despite these reports, the Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, Alfred Alabo, mentioned that the incident had not been properly reported. He clarified that the Okada rider was lured by some individuals to a secluded area, where they robbed him of his bike.
Senator Plang urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarians Affairs to provide building materials and palliatives to help displaced residents return home. He emphasized the need for permanent solutions to address the recurrent crises in the state, advocating for the establishment of military formations at flashpoints. The group also highlighted the inadequacy of the centralized policing structure and called for the decentralization of policing or acknowledgment of the risk of being overwhelmed by non-state actors.
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