Gunmen kill 70-year-old Rev. Fr in Plateau, injure two women

Gunmen have killed a 70-year-old clergyman, Reverend Fr. Mimang Lekyil, during an attack on his residence in Kwakas community, Mushere District, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident occurred around 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, as the household was settling down for the night. Two women—identified as the wife of the deceased and her sister—sustained injuries during the attack and are currently receiving treatment at Alheri Nursing Home in the nearby Dung community.

Eyewitnesses from the area alleged that the attackers were kidnappers who stormed the home with the intention of abducting its occupants. Reverend Fr. Lekyil was reportedly shot on the spot.

Confirming the incident, Bishop Ayuba Matawal, a resident of Bokkos, explained that the two women were initially abducted but were later rescued by local vigilantes and youths who pursued the assailants.

“Yes, the incident happened. They shot the Reverend Fr. The two women in the house—his wife and a visitor—were kidnapped but later rescued by community members who quickly mobilized,” Matawal said.

The remains of the deceased have been deposited at Luna Mortuary in Bokkos.

As of the time of this report, the spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, has not responded to inquiries regarding the attack.