By Palang Paul
At least three men were killed for murdering a traditional ruler in Plateau State’s Langtang North Local Government Area were set ablaze by an angry mob on Friday evening 24 April 2026, just as community members were preparing to hand them over to security forces.
The suspects had been apprehended earlier that day while allegedly trying to sell a motorcycle stolen from the home of Ponzhi Kwallak, the traditional ruler of Kwallak Community, according to multiple local sources who spoke with journalists in Jos.
The monarch was killed Thursday night when intruders stormed his residence, fatally attacked him, and made off with his motorcycle and mobile phone. His death has plunged the community into mourning and heightened local tensions, residents said.
Locals reported that the suspects allegedly confessed to the crime after their capture. However, as they were being escorted to security personnel near the Langtang North Local Government Council Secretariat, a mob intercepted them and carried out the lynching.
Moses Yakubu, a villager, recounted that the monarch had recently received the motorcycle as a gift. “Some people followed him to his house, shot him, stole his phone, carried the bike and left,” Yakubu said. The stolen motorcycle was later set on fire by the mob at the council area.
Resident Danladi Mark described the mob action as born of deep frustration over persistent insecurity and delays in the justice system. “They came for Ponzhi Kwallak. They silenced a throne. They broke a community,” he said.
Mark cautioned that the incident reflects a broader erosion of public trust in legal institutions. “This is not a celebration of violence. This is a mirror to a broken system,” he added. “Jungle justice thrives where institutional justice fails.”
Attempts to reach Plateau State Police Command spokesman Alabo Alfred were unsuccessful, as calls to his mobile phone went unanswered at the time of filing this report.
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