By Sabiu Abdullahi
Gunmen have 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 attack occurred at about 12:30am on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, triggering grief and renewed fears over insecurity in the community.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the killing in a statement, saying the deceased was a member of the community’s local vigilante group.
He described the incident as devastating to the victim’s family and residents of Rachas.
A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Divine had volunteered to help protect the village because of the absence of adequate security personnel during the night.
The leader lamented that the young man was killed while carrying out his community protection duties and appealed to the government not to abandon the residents.
Another resident, Mrs Mary Chollom, said the gunshots during the attack left many people terrified and unable to sleep.
She called on the government to deploy security personnel to the area, expressing concern over the safety of residents, most of whom depend on farming for their livelihood.
Similarly, a youth in the community, Mr Dalyop Gyang, demanded the arrest of those responsible for the killing and called for stronger security patrols.
Reacting to the incident, the Berom Youth Moulders Association urged the Plateau State Police Command and other security agencies to investigate the killing, apprehend the attackers and strengthen patrols and intelligence gathering in vulnerable communities.
The association also called on the Plateau and Federal Governments to move beyond assurances and implement sustained security measures to protect lives and property, particularly in communities repeatedly targeted by gunmen.
Tengwong expressed condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Rachas, while urging authorities to take urgent steps to prevent further attacks.
The Daily Reality
