🛑 BREAKING NEWS : Gunmen Assassinate Plateau Cleric in Midnight Raid, Reprisal Attacks Follow

🛑 BREAKING NEWS

Gunmen Assassinate Plateau Cleric in Midnight Raid, Reprisal Attacks Follow

Reported by Seigha Dora Ayedi for Egbema Egberi Media International (EEMI)

📍 Kwakas, Bokkos LGA, Plateau State

🕘 Tuesday, May 27, 2025 | 10:24 AM

Tragedy struck the peaceful community of Kwakas in Mushere District, Plateau State, late Sunday night when heavily armed gunmen stormed the residence of a Catholic priest, Reverend Father Mimang Lekyil, fatally shooting him in a suspected kidnap attempt gone wrong.

The chilling attack, which took place at approximately 9:00 PM, has thrown the community into mourning and ignited a fresh wave of ethnic tension in the area.

According to eyewitness reports gathered by Egbema Egberi Media International, the attackers forcibly entered Father Lekyil's home while the household was settling for the night. Two women residing in the house were abducted during the chaos. However, swift action by local vigilantes and brave youths led to their dramatic rescue after a tense chase through the surrounding bush.

Speaking to our correspondent, Bishop Ayuba Matawal, a resident of Bokkos, confirmed:

"Yes, they shot the Reverend Father. The women were taken but later rescued by our youths. We believe the attackers came specifically to abduct him."

The 70-year-old clergyman was pronounced dead at the scene and later transported to Luna Mortuary in Bokkos.

🔥 RETALIATORY VIOLENCE BREAKS OUT

In a disturbing escalation, enraged youths launched reprisal attacks on a nearby Fulani settlement in Dingak village, within the same Mushere Central area. Several houses belonging to members of the Fulani herding community were set ablaze overnight, deepening fears of an ethnic crisis.

Saeed Adamu, a Fulani youth leader in Bokkos, condemned the retaliatory violence and urged for caution:

“We acknowledge the killing of the Reverend, but there is no evidence that any Fulani person was involved. It’s wrong to attack innocent people based on assumptions.”

He called on federal security agencies to investigate thoroughly and bring both the gunmen and arsonists to justice.

🔍 SECURITY ALERT

As of the time of filing this report, Operation Safe Haven, the joint military task force responsible for peacekeeping in Plateau, has not released an official statement. Efforts to reach spokesperson Major Samson Zhakom were unsuccessful.

This heinous killing marks yet another incident in a series of violent attacks that continue to plague Plateau State, further inflaming religious and ethnic divides across Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

Local leaders and civil society organizations have renewed calls for improved community policing, swift prosecution of criminals, and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious groups.

🕊️ Egbema Egberi Media International mourns the loss of Father Lekyil and stands in solidarity with all affected communities. We continue to advocate for a peaceful Nigeria where no life is lost to senseless violence.

📡 For EEMI News Updates, stay tuned to our official channels.

🖋️ Report filed by: Seigha Dora Ayedi from Italy. 

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