Plateau Traditional Ruler Killed in Gunmen Ambush on Highway

Gunmen suspected to be Fulani militia on Wednesday ambushed and shot dead the traditional ruler of Gwande District in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Saf Samuel Alaket. Alaket was on his way back from a traditional council meeting at the council headquarters.

Eyewitnesses said the bandits attacked the monarch’s vehicle around 7.30pm near the boundary of Sha District and Daffo community close to his hometown, shooting at the vehicle.

The District Head was said to have sustained serious injuries and was rushed to a nearby medical facility for emergency treatment where he was later confirmed dead.

Confirming the attack in a telephone call, Peter Gwande, a community leader and member of the late District Head’s council described the murder of Saf Alaket as not only a painful loss to the people of Gwande community but also for the entire Bokkos LGA and Plateau State in general. He added that the attack has thrown the Bokkos Traditional Council and residents into mourning.

Speaking on the attack, Christopher Luka, a youth leader in the Gwande community said it has caused serious tension in the area but security operatives later brought the situation under control.

Attempts to reach the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful as he neither answered his calls nor responded to text messages sent to his phone.