Three plateau state’s indigenes suspected to be involved in the killing of a traditional ruler in Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State were on Friday set ablaze by an angry mob.
The victims were alleged to have participated in the killing of the traditional ruler of Kwallak community, Mr Ponzhi Kwallak, who was attacked and murdered at his residence on Thursday night.
Sources in the community said that the assailants stormed the monarch’s home, shot him, and made away with his motorcycle and mobile phone.
A villager, Moses Yakubu, said the monarch was attacked after receiving a motorcycle, which was later traced to the suspects.
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“It is true. The traditional ruler was given a bike some days ago. Some people followed him to his house, shot him, stole his phone, carried the bike and left,” he said.
Another resident, Danladi Mark, described the incident as a reflection of growing frustration over insecurity and delayed justice.
He said the community acted out of anger over what it perceived as systemic failure to protect lives and property.
“They came for Ponzhi Kwallak. They silenced a throne. They broke a community,” he said.
He, however, noted that the development underscored deeper concerns about the breakdown of trust in the justice system, warning that jungle justice thrives where institutional justice is weak.
“This is not a celebration of violence. This is a mirror to a broken system,” he added.
The Incident, which initially sparked tension and speculation within the community, was reportedly first attributed to external attackers (fulani bandits). However, subsequent developments indicated that the suspects were allegedly from within the community.
Security sources said the suspects were apprehended on Friday while attempting to sell the stolen motorcycle.
According to eyewitness accounts, the suspects allegedly confessed to the crime after being apprehended by members of the community.
It was further gathered that the suspects were being taken to security operatives when a mob intercepted them near the Langtang North Local Government Council Secretariat and set them ablaze.
Newsexpress
