In the wake of recent attacks in Bokkos, Plateau State, tension mounts as residents express their outrage through protests, demanding better security measures to protect their communities.
The streets of Bokkos town witnessed a striking scene as women clad in black attire took to the streets, chanting slogans against the presence of soldiers in the area.
Reports indicate that the unrest follows a series of attacks, the latest occurring in Butura Kampany village on the 18th of April, where herders struck, resulting in the death of two individuals. Prompt intervention by security forces helped quell the violence.
Later that same day, at approximately 11:45 pm, Chikam village near Plateau State University (PLASU) fell victim to another attack, claiming the lives of three residents, including a student, a woman, and a child. The news of this tragic incident sparked demonstrations, with students blocking roads near the university gate and women staging protests in the town, leading to the closure of businesses.
The tension spilled over to the Plateau State Polytechnic, prompting swift action from the school management. In a press statement issued by Yakubu F. Ayuba, the Registrar of the institution, he lamented the loss of a 200-level computer science student named Dading James Jordan, who resided in Chikam.
Ayuba expressed condolences on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and the entire university management to the family of the deceased and the university community. He highlighted ongoing efforts by the Plateau State government, security agencies, and university management to enhance security in the area but noted the persistence of attacks despite these efforts.
In response to the tragedy, the university management declared a two-day mourning period on the 19th and 20th of April, suspending all scheduled examinations during this period. Urging students to remain calm, Ayuba called on security agencies to intensify efforts to safeguard the university and its surroundings while exploring additional security measures to enhance safety on campus.
