PLATEAU GOVERNMENT ASSURES MOTORISTS OF SAFETY ON JOS-BARKIN LADI HIGHWAY AFTER KASSA ATTACK

The Plateau State Government has assured motorists and other road users of safety on the Jos-Barkin Ladi highway following an attack in Kassa community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, which claimed the lives of three vigilantes.

The assurance came after women and youths in the community reportedly blocked the highway in protest against the killings and recurring security threats in the area.

The gunmen were said to have attacked Kassa at about 1am on Friday, killing three vigilantes, including the community’s youth leader. The incident triggered protests, with residents demanding stronger security measures to protect lives and property.

The blockade reportedly resulted in significant traffic congestion, leaving some motorists and travellers stranded for several hours.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the state government condemned the attack as “deeply regrettable and unacceptable.”

The government sympathised with the families of the victims and assured residents that security agencies had commenced efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killings.

It also appealed to residents and affected communities to remain calm, warning that continued blockage of the highway could expose motorists and other road users to additional security risks.

The government said the highway had been cleared and was open to traffic, urging residents to continue with their lawful activities while remaining vigilant and cooperating with security agencies.

Confirming the incident, spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, BYM, Rwang Tengwong, described the killings as disturbing, noting that the victims lost their lives while defending their community.

Tengwong called for intensified security operations to track down the attackers and bring them to justice. He also urged authorities to take urgent steps to strengthen security in Barkin Ladi and other vulnerable communities across the state.

Security personnel were subsequently deployed to the area to restore calm and prevent further escalation.

The Plateau State Government reiterated the commitment of the Caleb Mutfwang administration to working with security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities to strengthen security and sustain peace across the state.