Gunmen Kill Irigwe Youth Leader in Plateau Two Months After Election

Gunmen Kill Irigwe Youth Leader in Plateau Two Months After Election

A youth leader and member of the Miango Youth Development Association (MYDA), John Telle Danjuma, has been killed in a suspected Fulani militia ambush in Gyu community, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. The incident occurred on Friday, June 25, 2026, when gunmen ambushed Danjuma as he returned home from a community function, shooting him dead in the late hours of the day. Danjuma, popularly known as Excoba, was the Director of Social for MYDA and had only assumed office two months prior during the organization’s recent leadership swearing-in ceremony.

The MYDA Publicity Secretary, Weyi Agara, confirmed the tragic event in a statement issued on Saturday. He described Danjuma as a dedicated servant of his people and humanity, emphasizing that his life was cut short while actively serving the Irigwe community. Danjuma, in his early 30s, leaves behind a young wife and a small child, who now face an uncertain future without his presence and support.

Agara condemned the killing as part of a broader, systematic campaign targeting the Irigwe people, which he said has continued without effective intervention. He noted that the ambush was not an isolated incident but rather a continuation of violence aimed at erasing the ethnic group from their ancestral lands. The statement expressed deep sorrow and called for immediate action from security agencies to protect vulnerable communities.

At the time of reporting, the Plateau State Police Command had not released any official statement on the matter. The Command’s spokesman, SP Alfred Alabo, could not be reached for comment, leaving many questions unanswered about the investigation and response to the attack. The lack of immediate official response has raised concerns among community leaders and residents about the government’s ability to ensure safety in the region.

The killing of John Telle Danjuma adds to the growing list of violent incidents in Plateau State, where ethnic tensions and armed conflicts have led to widespread insecurity. His death has sparked grief and outrage among youth groups and local leaders, who fear that such attacks will continue without decisive action from authorities. The Miango Youth Development Association has urged the government and security forces to take swift measures to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further bloodshed.

As the community mourns the loss of a promising young leader, calls for peace and justice grow louder. The incident underscores the urgent need for sustained security operations and community engagement to protect lives and preserve the social fabric of Plateau State. The future of youth leaders like Danjuma hangs in the balance, and their safety remains a critical issue for national attention.