A community youth leader, Mr. Dabit Clement Joseph, popularly known as Chepti, has been killed by suspected armed militias in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The tragic incident happened in the early hours of Thursday during an ambush along the Horop–Laban–Nawala feeder road, a known border route that links Plateau and Nasarawa states.
According to local sources, the victim was part of a joint patrol team made up of soldiers, vigilantes, and local hunters who were moving through the area to maintain security when they came under heavy gunfire from suspected militias.
The 47-year-old youth leader, who served as the Youth President of Horop District, was reportedly shot dead on the spot. His body has since been evacuated and deposited at the Luna Hospital mortuary in Bokkos town.
The attack has caused tension in the community, which has witnessed several incidents of violence in recent times. Residents described the killing as a major blow to local peace efforts, as Chepti was known for mobilising youth for community development and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Speaking on the incident, a community elder who asked not to be named said, “He was not just a youth leader; he was a bridge-builder. His death is painful and has left many of us in shock.”
Police authorities have confirmed the incident. The Plateau State Police Command said investigations have begun, and that joint security teams have been deployed to comb the area and track down the attackers.
Police authority are aware of the incident and are working closely with other security agencies to get to the root of the matter. So far, no arrest has been made, but efforts are ongoing.
The state government has yet to issue an official statement on the killing, but community leaders are calling for urgent government intervention to stop the rising insecurity in rural parts of Plateau State.
In recent months, Bokkos and other local government areas in Plateau have experienced repeated attacks linked to farmer-herder clashes, land disputes, and ethnic tensions.
