Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.
The family of Jafar Umar, a member of the Hunters Vigilante group in Plateau State, is demanding a transparent investigation and swift justice following his alleged fatal shooting by a fellow operative during a routine patrol in Jos. According to relatives and community sources, the incident occurred while members of the local vigilante unit were on patrol within the Jos metropolis. Preliminary accounts indicate that Umar was shot under circumstances that remain unclear, prompting widespread concern among residents and raising fresh questions about oversight and coordination within community-based security outfits.Plateau State, particularly Jos and surrounding local government areas, has grappled with recurring security challenges over the years, including communal violence and criminal attacks. In response, vigilante groups such as the Hunters have often worked alongside formal security agencies to provide grassroots surveillance and rapid response in vulnerable communities. However, the alleged killing has cast a spotlight on the operational protocols, command structures, and accountability mechanisms governing such groups.Family members of the deceased have urged authorities to ensure that the case is not treated as an internal matter but investigated thoroughly under the law. “We want justice for Jafar,” a relative said, calling on state authorities and security agencies to conduct an impartial probe and make their findings public.Local leaders in Jos have also appealed for calm, emphasizing the need for due process and cautioning against speculation that could inflame tensions. Community stakeholders say the tragedy underscores the importance of structured training, clear rules of engagement, and coordination between vigilante formations and official security institutions.The Plateau State Police Command has yet to release detailed public findings on the incident at the time of filing this report. Security analysts note that cases involving vigilante groups often require careful handling to balance community security needs with adherence to constitutional safeguards and the rule of law. Nigeria’s reliance on vigilante groups in several states has been widely reported by reputable national and international media outlets, including Premium Times, The Punch, Vanguard, and the BBC, particularly in the context of rural insecurity and the evolving role of community-based security actors. Observers say this latest development in Jos could renew debates around regulation, oversight, and professionalization of vigilante operations across the country. As investigations continue, the Umar family maintains that accountability is essential not only for closure but also for restoring public confidence in community security initiatives designed to protect, not endanger, the very citizens they serve. Sources: Premium Times, The Punch, Vanguard, BBC News.
Afilawos Magana Sur is a journalist from Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, currently based in Bauchi metropolis. He is known for his commitment to accurate, ethical, and responsible journalism, with a focus on reporting issues of public relevance and community development.
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