Activist Demands Investigation Into Alleged Killing of Mangu Youth Leader -

A Plateau State activist, Walshak Samuel John, has called for an investigation into the alleged killing of a Mangu youth leader, Fwangshak Dawuk, by soldiers attached to Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP).

Dawuk, who was reportedly the Secretary of the Mwaghavul Youth Movement in Mangu Halle District, Mangu Local Government Area, was allegedly shot by military personnel on Sunday night in Jakatai village while participating in community vigilance.

John, in a statement shared on Facebook on Monday, said eyewitnesses alleged that soldiers shot Dawuk during an incident involving local youths who had reportedly mobilised to protect their community following an attack on neighbouring Lawuru in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

He further alleged that Dawuk’s body was removed from the scene and taken to the Barkin Ladi General Hospital, where it was reportedly left by the soldiers.

Describing the allegations as serious, John demanded answers from the relevant authorities, including details of what transpired between the soldiers and the youths, the identity of the personnel involved and the orders under which they were operating.

He also questioned why Dawuk was allegedly taken to a hospital after the shooting and why the soldiers reportedly left without properly accounting for the incident.

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In a separate Facebook post, conflict journalist Masara Kim Usman also alleged that terrorists had invaded Arangai (Jakatai) village and that civilian guards came out to defend residents after reportedly waiting for a response from security personnel.

Usman claimed that soldiers later arrived and opened fire on the community defenders, allegedly killing Dawuk.

However, the military has denied knowledge of the reported incident.
The Media Information Officer of Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Polycarp Oteh, said that he was unaware of the incident. He explained that he was currently attending a course in Kaduna.

Efforts to obtain comments from the Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful, as he reportedly did not respond to calls or messages sent to him.

The circumstances surrounding Dawuk’s reported death remain unclear, with calls for an investigation into the allegations growing.