Tragedy in Plateau: Reverend Father Mimang Lekyil K!lled in Bokkos, Two Women Injured as Violence Escalates
The serene and closely-knit community of Kwakas, located in the Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area in Plateau State, was thrown into chaos and mourning on the night of Sunday, May 25, 2025, following the tragic killing of Reverend Father Mimang Lekyil, a respected clergyman known for his selfless service and deep spiritual devotion. According to multiple eyewitness accounts, suspected kidnappers stormed the reverend's residence around 9:00 p.m., fatally shooting him and leaving two female members of his household injured and briefly abducted.
Gunmen Strike at Night: A Community Shattered
The attack took place as Reverend Lekyil and his family were winding down for the day, preparing to retire for the night. Suddenly, gunshots shattered the peace. Residents reported that the gunmen, believed to be armed kidnappers, broke into the house and began shooting indiscriminately. Reverend Father Mimang Lekyil was shot and killed on the spot.
Local sources said that two women in the residence, believed to be family members of the cleric, were seriously injured during the invasion. The gunmen reportedly abducted the women as they fled the scene, adding to the fear and confusion already engulfing the neighborhood.
Quick Response by Vigilantes and Youths Saves Lives
Following the brazen attack, community vigilantes and local youths quickly mobilized and gave chase. Their swift action reportedly led to the successful rescue of the abducted women, who were found and returned safely. Their current medical condition remains undisclosed, but reports confirm they are receiving treatment.
Speaking to journalists, Bishop Ayuba Matawal of the local diocese confirmed the tragic development and the death of Reverend Lekyil. “His body has been deposited at Luna Mortuary in Bokkos, and we are working closely with the authorities and the church to ensure that justice is served,” Bishop Matawal stated.
“He Was a Peaceful Man” — Tributes Pour In
The late Reverend Father Lekyil was well-regarded in Bokkos and surrounding communities. Parishioners described him as “a humble and peaceful man of God” who often spoke out against violence and injustice. Many have taken to social media and local radio to express grief, shock, and anger over the senseless murder.
“He was someone who would rather give up his own comfort just to help others. What happened is not just a loss for the church but for the whole of Mushere and Bokkos,” one community member said in tears.
Rising Tensions and Retaliation: Fulani Settlement Targeted
As news of the reverend father’s killing spread across Bokkos and neighboring villages, tensions quickly escalated, leading to reprisal attacks. In the early hours of the following day, several houses were reportedly set ablaze in Dingak Village, a Fulani settlement in Mushere Central. Angry residents, in what appeared to be an act of retaliation, blamed the Fulani community for the killing, although no concrete evidence has been provided linking them to the crime.
Fulani Youth Leader Calls for Calm
In response to the violent reprisal, Saeed Adamu, a Fulani youth leader in Bokkos, condemned both the murder of Reverend Father Lekyil and the retaliatory burning of Fulani homes.
“We heard about the story of the killing of the Reverend, but there has been no investigation indicating the killing was committed by our members,” Adamu said during a press briefing. “This is how things are done. We call on the security agencies to investigate the matter.”
Adamu’s statement emphasized the need for calm and a fact-based investigation, warning against ethnic profiling and collective punishment, which could further inflame an already volatile situation.
A Disturbing Pattern of Violence in Plateau State
This latest tragedy adds to the growing number of violent incidents that have plagued Plateau State, particularly in Bokkos Local Government Area, over the past few years. The region has seen repeated outbreaks of communal clashes, banditry, and kidnapping for ransom, often pitting indigenous communities against nomadic herders, mostly of Fulani descent.
Although authorities have repeatedly pledged to restore peace and security, attacks like this continue to highlight the deep-seated tensions and the apparent inability of security forces to prevent them.
Security Agencies Urged to Act
Community leaders, religious figures, and civil society organizations have called on the Nigerian Police Force, the Plateau State Government, and other security agencies to take swift and decisive action. They demand a full investigation into the killing of Reverend Lekyil, the attempted abduction of his family members, and the subsequent retaliatory attacks.
“We can no longer allow impunity to thrive. This is not just about a Reverend Father being killed; this is about the rule of law breaking down,” said a spokesperson for a Plateau-based civil rights group.
Government Reaction Still Awaited
As of the time of writing, there has been no official statement from the Plateau State Government regarding the incident. Residents and stakeholders are eagerly awaiting a response from Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who hails from the same Bokkos area, on how the state intends to address both the tragedy and the growing unrest.
Time for Unity and Justice
The killing of Reverend Father Mimang Lekyil is not just a personal loss for his family or his church—it is a profound tragedy for all of Plateau State. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive security reform, improved intelligence gathering, and stronger collaboration between local vigilantes and formal security forces.
But perhaps most importantly, it calls for unity among communities, both indigenous and Fulani, to resist the temptation of retaliation and hate. As Bishop Ayuba Matawal emphasized, “Violence begets more violence. We must break the cycle with truth, justice, and forgiveness.”
