A Plateau State activist has accused soldiers from Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) of killing a Mangu youth leader, Fwangshak Dawuk, and dumping his body at Barkin Ladi General Hospital, sparking outrage and demands for accountability. Walshak Samuel John, who made the allegation in a Facebook post on Monday, said Dawuk, Secretary of the Mwaghavul Youth Movement in Mangu Halle District, was shot dead on Sunday night during a vigilante patrol in Jakatai village. Eyewitnesses reportedly stated that the military personnel fired at point-blank range, allegedly while protecting Fulani terrorists who had attacked nearby communities.
John emphasized that this incident is not just another casualty in the ongoing insecurity crisis but a serious accusation against Nigerian military personnel. He noted that Dawuk had gone out with other youths to guard their community after an attack on Lawuru in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. Instead of returning home safely, he was killed, and his body was later transported and left unattended at the hospital. The activist raised critical questions: Who gave the order to shoot? What was the interaction between the soldiers and the civilians? Which military unit was involved? And why was the body taken to a hospital without proper documentation or follow-up?
Conflict journalist Masara Kim Usman corroborated the account in his own Facebook post, stating that terrorists had invaded Arangai (Jakatai) village earlier that day. He reported that civilian guards, armed with homemade pipe guns, tried to hold off heavily armed attackers to allow residents to flee. It was then, he claimed, that soldiers who had previously ignored distress calls suddenly arrived and opened fire on the defenders, killing Dawuk instantly. This raises concerns about the military’s role in conflict zones and whether they are acting as protectors or contributing to civilian casualties.
Despite these allegations, Captain Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer of Operation Enduring Peace, denied knowledge of the incident. In a phone conversation with DAILY POST on Tuesday, he said he was currently attending a course in Kaduna and could not confirm the report. Attempts to reach the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages. The lack of official response has further fueled public suspicion and frustration.
The incident highlights growing tensions between security forces and local communities in Plateau State, where residents often take up arms to defend themselves amid frequent attacks. When civilians organize to protect their families, the expected response from security agencies should be cooperation, not confrontation. The death of Fwangshak Dawuk underscores the urgent need for transparency, investigation, and improved coordination between military forces and local vigilantes to prevent further loss of life.
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