The family of the late Yilbet Samwa Tongshang from Bul community in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State has appealed to authorities to ensure justice over his killing and the destruction of 13 houses during a violent attack on the community.
Speaking during a press briefing in Jos, members of the family alleged that the attack, which occurred on March 5, 2025, was carried out by some residents of Bul village who conspired against the deceased. They said the attackers used machetes and other dangerous weapons, leading to his death.
According to them, those involved in the attack include Yunusa Dungkolma Tenwa, Augustine Gomgchim, John Bunwa, Jidim Munanji, and others still at large.
They also alleged that the perpetrators went on to burn down several houses, destroying properties estimated at over N100 million.
The family said the case was first reported to the Kanke Divisional Police Headquarters, where the injured victim was taken to the General Hospital in Kanke and later confirmed dead.
The matter was subsequently transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Jos for further investigation.
Addressing journalists, the complainant, Mr. Lengkat Tongshangha, expressed disappointment over the way the case had been handled after the suspects were released.
He said, “We reported the matter to the police in Kanke, and they took the injured victim to the hospital where he was confirmed dead. The police later transferred the case to CID Jos for investigation. But while the matter was still under investigation, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ephraim Usman, invited us to his office.”
“When we got there, we met the Kanke Local Government Chairman, Hon. Lapching Golime, his Director of Personnel Management, and one of the suspects, Nde Ngolong Inusa Dungkolma, already seated. The commissioner informed us that the Governor had directed that those arrested be released on bail so the local government could handle the matter.”
“Out of respect for the Governor, we agreed. But since then, the chairman has done nothing. Each time we returned to the police, we were told to go and beg him. We went several times, but he was never available.”
Mr. Tongshangha alleged that both the police and the local government chairman were protecting the suspects and frustrating justice.
“We believe both the police and the local government chairman are shielding the suspects and allowing them to evade justice. Before their release, the chairman wrote an undertaking at the police station, promising to resolve the matter and report back, but he never did.”
“No one has the right to kill another person, destroy homes, and walk free. We are calling on the government and all Nigerians of conscience to help us get justice for our late brother and for those who lost their homes in this senseless attack.” He emphasized.
The family appealed to the Plateau State Government, human rights organisations, and all well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and ensure that justice is done. They said the destruction caused by the attack had left many residents homeless and traumatised.
They further disclosed that they had engaged the services of Ladan Attorneys & Co., who have petitioned the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State, and the Attorney General of the Federation, urging that the case be revisited and the perpetrators brought to justice.
