Ex-local government official killed in Plateau neighbourhood

A former councillor, Hon. Godwin Vonga, who represented Nasarawa Ward in Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State, has been killed by unidentified gunmen along the Timshat-Mabudi road, leaving his community in shock.

n

Vonga, also the Magaji of Timshat, was attacked on Sunday night while returning home after taking his children to Mabudi to resume school following the holiday break.

n

According to sources in the community, the deceased had travelled from Timshat to Mabudi to drop off his children before the attack occurred, and was ambushed and killed by unknown assailants while making his way back to Timshat.

n

A resident of the community, Nanbol Pirfa, described the late Vonga as a respected leader and public servant, and expressed sadness over the incident, which has thrown Timshat and neighbouring communities into mourning.

n

Pirfa stated that the community is in shock, and prayed that those responsible for Vonga's death would be identified and brought to justice, saying "The entire community is in shock, he was well known and respected by many people."

n

The motive for the killing remains unclear, but some residents suspect that the attackers may have been criminals operating along the route, taking advantage of the area's vulnerability.

n

Langtang South Local Government Area Chairman, Hon. Nanfa Alhassan Nbin, has condemned the killing, describing it as barbaric, unfortunate, and unacceptable, and expressed shock over the death of the former councillor and traditional title holder.

n

In a statement signed by his spokesman, Butko Bako Iliya, the chairman sympathised with the family of the deceased, the people of Timshat, and the entire Langtang South community, praying for the repose of Vonga's soul and for God to grant his loved ones the strength to bear the loss.

n

Nbin vowed that the perpetrators of the crime would be brought to justice, warning criminal elements operating within the local government to desist from such acts or face the full weight of the law.

n

The chairman also urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could assist ongoing investigations into Vonga's death.