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, which occurred at about 12:30am on Tuesday, 3 November, has thrown the community into mourning and heightened concerns over insecurity in rural areas.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the killing in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Mr Tengwong said the deceased was a member of the community vigilante group who was killed by armed men during the attack.

He said the incident had devastated the victim’s family and residents of Rachas Village.

A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the deceased had volunteered to protect the village because of the absence of adequate security personnel at night.

The leader lamented that the teenager was killed while trying to safeguard his community and appealed to the government not to abandon the residents.

Another resident, Mary Chollom, said the gunshots during the attack left residents terrified and unable to sleep.

Mrs Chollom, who described most residents as farmers, called for the deployment of security personnel to the area.

A youth in the community, Dalyop Gyang, also demanded the arrest of those responsible, alongside stronger security patrols to prevent further attacks.

Berom group demands urgent interventions

Reacting to the killing, the Berom Youth Moulders Association called on the Plateau State Police Command and other security agencies to investigate the incident and apprehend the perpetrators.

The association also demanded stronger security patrols, improved intelligence gathering and faster emergency response in vulnerable communities.

Mr Tengwong urged the Plateau State and Federal Governments to move beyond routine assurances and implement sustained measures to protect lives and property in communities repeatedly exposed to attacks.

The association extended its condolences to the bereaved family and residents of Rachas Village, while appealing for urgent action to prevent further loss of lives.

Police yet to respond

Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time the report was filed.

The killing has renewed concerns about the safety of rural communities in Plateau State, particularly residents who rely on local vigilante groups for protection against armed attacks.