Plateau State has been thrown into mourning following a series of violent incidents reported across parts of the state, with at least five people reportedly killed and several others affected.
Among those reported killed was Pastor Hills Emmanuel, a Ghanaian-Nigerian cleric and founder of The Wonderful Grace of God Evangelical Ministry in Bokkos.
According to reports, Pastor Emmanuel and his colleague, Pastor Gabriel Joseph Dipak of Christ Apostolic Church, were allegedly abducted on Friday, August 28, while travelling from Jos to Bokkos along the Barkin Ladi–Bokkos road.
The two pastors were reportedly travelling in a commercial vehicle carrying nine passengers when armed men allegedly intercepted the vehicle. The attackers were said to have taken the two clerics away, while the other passengers were reportedly dispossessed of their phones and cash before being released.
Pastor Emmanuel’s body was reportedly discovered early Saturday morning close to the area where the abduction allegedly occurred.
Meanwhile, the whereabouts of Pastor Dipak remained a major concern as of Saturday, with reports indicating that his family had allegedly been contacted by the abductors.
The reported violence was not limited to the Barkin Ladi–Bokkos axis, as additional incidents were also reported in parts of Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Mangu Local Government Areas.
Reports indicated that a woman was allegedly killed in Fang village, while two others were reportedly killed in Radura village. Another person was said to have sustained injuries in Chakfem.
The latest incidents have heightened concerns over the security of communities in Plateau State, particularly rural settlements and major roads connecting vulnerable communities.
However, the identities of the perpetrators and the circumstances surrounding the various incidents have yet to be independently established. Authorities are expected to investigate the reports, identify those responsible and provide further details on the security situation.
Residents have meanwhile called for increased security presence along vulnerable routes and in rural communities to prevent further loss of lives and protect residents.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as more verified information becomes available.