Gunmen Kill Plateau Monarch In Road Attack

Gunmen suspected to be Fulani militia have killed the traditional ruler of Gwande District in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Saf Samuel Alaket.

The monarch was reportedly attacked on Wednesday while returning from a traditional council meeting held at the Bokkos Local Government headquarters.

According to eyewitnesses, the assailants ambushed his vehicle at about 7:30 p.m. near the boundary between Sha District and Daffo community, close to his hometown, and opened fire.

Alaket sustained severe gunshot injuries during the attack and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

He was later confirmed dead by medical personnel.

A community leader and member of the late monarch’s council, Peter Gwande, who confirmed the incident, described the killing as a tragic loss not only to the Gwande community but also to Bokkos Local Government Area and Plateau State at large.

He said the attack has plunged the Bokkos Traditional Council and residents of the area into mourning.

Also speaking, a youth leader in Gwande community, Christopher Luka, said the incident initially heightened tension in the area.

He, however, noted that security operatives had intervened and brought the situation under control.

Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, neither answered calls nor responded to text messages sent to his phone.