Tension escalated in Plateau State after three individuals suspected of involvement in the killing of a traditional ruler were lynched by an angry crowd.
Drivetvnews gathered that the victims were accused of participating in the murder of Ponzhi Kwallak, the monarch of Kwallak community in Langtang North Local Government Area, who was reportedly attacked and killed at his residence on Thursday night. His attackers were said to have taken away his motorcycle and mobile phone after the incident.
Residents said the suspects were apprehended on Friday while allegedly attempting to sell the stolen motorcycle. They were reportedly being taken to security operatives when a mob intercepted them near the Langtang North council secretariat and set them on fire.
A community member explained that the monarch had recently received the motorcycle before the assailants trailed him home, killed him, and fled with the item.
Another resident described the mob action as a reflection of growing frustration among locals over insecurity and what they perceive as delays in justice. He warned that such incidents point to weakening public confidence in formal law enforcement systems.
The killing of the monarch has plunged the community into mourning, while also raising broader concerns about safety and the increasing resort to extrajudicial actions in parts of the country.
As of the time of reporting, police authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
