In a tragic incident in Marish village, Bokkos local government area of Plateau State, a Nigerian soldier, identified as Godwin, stands accused of fatally shooting Joseph Jelman, a resident. This incident, which has shaken the community, follows closely on the heels of reports of gunmen invading Plateau State University Bokkos just three days prior.
According to Joel Jimwan, a prominent figure within the community, who spoke to reporters, the trouble began when the soldier, purportedly celebrating his birthday at a local beer parlour, recklessly discharged his firearm towards the establishment’s roof. Despite pleas from the owners to cease his actions, he persisted, ultimately firing a shot that tragically struck Joseph, an innocent passerby.
This incident compounds existing concerns over security in the region. The Plateau Peace Practitioners Network (PPPN) had previously urged authorities to investigate recent attacks on communities within Bokkos and Mangu local government areas. These attacks, which reportedly claimed the lives of at least 15 individuals, including a 200-level Computer Science student from the State University, occurred in Tilengpat and Butura communities while residents were asleep, around 9pm last Thursday.
As investigations into both incidents unfold, the community mourns the loss of Joseph Jelman and calls for justice to be served.
