Plateau traditional ruler dies after being shot by gunmen

Jatau Yohanna Samkwar, the Mishkaham Bokkos traditional ruler, has died following an attack by gunmen at his residence in Daffo, located in the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attack occurred on the night of Monday, October 12, 2026. The assailants reportedly shot Samkwar in the legs. After being rushed to a hospital in Daffo and subsequently referred to another medical facility, he passed away on Wednesday, October 14.

The incident follows the reported abduction of the traditional ruler’s son, who was released on the Sunday prior to the attack. The Mwaghavul Traditional Council identified the attackers as Fulani militias, though their identities have not been independently confirmed.

Kefas Mallai, chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos, highlighted the deteriorating security situation in the region, noting that frequent attacks and killings have become a recurring issue. In a separate incident in the area, three people traveling by motorcycle were attacked, resulting in two deaths and one injury.