Information reaching ViewPointNigeria’s news desk indicates that the trend of murdering traditional rulers in Plateau has assumed another dimension, with the murder of another village head i.e., of Gyangyang village (in Gagdi ward of Kanam LGA) – Baba Suleiman.

The 71 year old monarch was murdered in the early hours of Friday 29th September (2:30am) at his residence in Gyangyang village. The late acting Village Head, whose traditional title was Madaki of Gyangyang, served as the acting village head since the demise of the last traditional ruler approximately eight and a half years ago.

Reports indicate that the election for a substantive village head had held eight years ago but the matter was not conclusive and as such ended in controversies which led to a court case -which is still ongoing.

Narrating the incidence of yesterday, a source in the community confirmed to ViewPointNigeria that they were awoken by commotion in the community as heavily armed men invaded the community in the early hours of the morning – went to the house of the Madaki, singled him out and shot him repeatedly.

When our correspondent reached out to the Management Committee Chairman of Kanam, Hon Hamid Hudu Bale, he confirmed the attack but said details were still sketchy. Bale explained that he was notified of the incident early yesterday morning and had contacted the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) who has moved to the area.

A former deputy speaker in Plateau State House of Assembly and member representing Kantana constituency, Hon Yusuf Gagdi expressed sadness over the incident.

Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Tyopev Terna confirmed the incident adding that investigation was ongoing.

ViewPointNigeria Analysis

This will be the fourth village head/community leader murdered in Plateau this year – earlier in the year, the Saf Manguna, the village head of Tadai village (again in Manguna district) and a village head in Shendam LGA were gruesomely assassinated  in different circumstances. Both cases remain “cold cases” as no leads or arrests have been made.

This new assassination brings a different dimension to the troubles which have plagued the state and deals a heavy psychological blow to the communities who look up to these traditional ruler as royal invincibles. However, it remains unclear what group or interest may be responsible for this dastard act, as it bears the hallmark of an assassination as opposed to the typical herdmen attacks.

The killing is also happening at the backdrop of renewed killings in Ancha village (Bassa LGA), where up to 20 people were murdered in the last 3 weeks.

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Fresh Attack: Acting village head assassinated in Plateau