In a tragic escalation of violence in Plateau State, eight people, including a pastor, were killed in attacks by suspected herders’ militia in Bokkos Local Government Area.
Pastor Mimang Lekyil of COCIN LCC Kwakas-Mushere was fatally shot in his home late Sunday night, May 25, 2025, while his wife sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and is hospitalized at Jos University Teaching Hospital.
Kefas Mallai, Chairman of Community Peace Observers, revealed that on Monday, native youths, enraged by the pastor’s killing, razed Fulani homes in Kwakas. Security forces intervened to calm the situation. Later that evening, at about 9 pm, the herders’ militia launched another deadly attack on the Mbor community in Mushere, killing seven more natives before security could arrive.
Mallai expressed concern over the security vacuum, stating that some women and children have fled nearby settlements. “I have called the DPO but could not reach him. The DCO assured me security personnel were deployed, but the community remains vulnerable,” he said. Police spokesman Alabo Alfred assured that the situation is under control following deployment of security operatives by the Plateau Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina.
The pastor’s remains are currently at Luna Hospital mortuary in Bokkos as authorities work to restore peace.
