The District Head of Gwande in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Saf Samuel Alaket, has been killed after gunmen ambushed his vehicle along the Sha District axis near Daffo community.
Sources in the area said the attack occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday as the traditional ruler was returning home from activities at the popular Daffo market.
The late district head was said to have earlier attended a traditional council meeting in Bokkos before setting out for Gwande.
Residents said the attackers struck near the boundary between Sha District and Daffo community, opening fire on the monarch’s vehicle.
Alaket reportedly sustained severe injuries during the attack and was rushed to a nearby clinic for treatment. However, despite efforts by medical personnel to save his life, he later died from his injuries.
A community member, Aten Pukat, confirmed the incident, describing the late district head as a respected leader who devoted himself to peacebuilding and community development.
According to him, the killing has plunged the Bokkos Traditional Council and residents of the area into mourning.
“The district head was widely respected for his leadership and commitment to peace in the community. His death is a painful loss, not only to Gwande but to the entire Bokkos area,” Pukat said.
He added that messages of condolence had continued to pour in from traditional institutions, community leaders and sympathisers following the tragic incident.
Efforts to obtain official comments from the spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, SP Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The latest attack adds to growing security concerns in Plateau State, where communities have witnessed recurring incidents of violence in recent months.
