Mutilated body of motorcyclist found as similar mystery killings rise

The mutilated body of a motorcycle rider has been found along Longvel Road in Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State, with his motorcycle reportedly stolen.

The killing, reported on Monday, bears similarities to previous attacks on motorcycle riders in other parts of the state and adds to a series of violent incidents involving farmers, travellers, vigilantes and traditional leaders in recent weeks.

The identity of the latest victim and the circumstances surrounding his death remained unclear as of Monday.

Henry Homsuk, a community resident, said residents woke up to the disturbing news.

“Sadly, someone would be killed and his motorcycle taken away,” Mr Homsuk said.

He said the incident had been reported to security operatives and urged them to investigate the killing, recover the stolen motorcycle and arrest those responsible.

Mr Homsuk also called for increased security along Longvel Road and other vulnerable areas in Shendam, saying residents should be able to carry out their lawful activities without fear.

Efforts to reach security operatives to confirm the incident were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

The Shendam incident bears similarities to several reported killings of motorcycle riders in Plateau, where victims were allegedly attacked and their motorcycles stolen.

On 23 September, an unidentified person was killed along the Maikatako–Foloh Road in Butura District, Bokkos Local Government Area, in an incident suspected to have involved armed robbers who stole the victim’s motorcycle.

According to a report by security-focused publication Zagazola Makama, troops of Operation Enduring Peace responded to the incident at about 3:50 p.m. and found the victim’s body after the suspected assailants had fled.

The body was subsequently handed over to the police in Bokkos for further action, while security forces began efforts to track down the perpetrators.

Earlier, on 25 August, gunmen reportedly killed Danladi Idi Dakum while he was riding his motorcycle along the Matelem–Ndung Road in Tangur District, also in Bokkos.

A report by Zagazola Makama said troops deployed in the area responded to information about the attack and found Mr Dakum dead at the scene. Preliminary information suggested that the attackers might have been motorcycle snatchers.

In another incident, an unidentified motorcyclist was killed along the Nyong–Bodel Road in Bokkos on 4 September.

According to Zagazola Makama, troops responding to the attack found the victim’s body beside his motorcycle. The attackers had fled before the troops arrived.

The incidents have raised concerns about the safety of motorcycle riders and other road users, particularly on routes linking rural communities where residents depend on motorcycles for transportation and commercial activities.

However, there is no evidence that the killings are connected or that the same perpetrators were responsible.

The Shendam killing also recalls the discovery of a mutilated body behind Monday Market in Pankshin Local Government Area earlier in October.

Residents discovered the unidentified man’s body on 6 October and alerted security operatives.

A community source, Panshak Rogo, told journalists that some parts of the body, including the ears and nose, had been cut off.

The remains were evacuated to General Hospital, Pankshin, as residents urged anyone with information about missing relatives or the deceased’s identity to contact the police.

The discovery came two days after separate attacks in Jos South, Mangu and Riyom local government areas reportedly left at least 13 people dead.

In one of the attacks, nine passengers travelling towards Jos were killed when gunmen opened fire on their vehicle at Dungus in Jos South.

Two people were also reportedly killed in an attack on Vodni community in Pushit District, Mangu, while two others died in a separate attack at Tahoos in Riyom.

The killings heightened concerns about the security situation in the state, where communities have continued to report attacks on residents and travellers.

Violence has also affected traditional institutions and local security groups in Plateau.

On 12 October, gunmen attacked Jatau Samkwar, the Mishkaham Bokkos, at his residence in Daffo, Bokkos Local Government Area. He later died after receiving medical attention.

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The Mwaghavul Traditional Council, Bokkos branch, announced his death, while community peace observers expressed concern over recurring attacks in the area.

Earlier in October, four vigilantes were reportedly killed when gunmen attacked Shurum village in Dorowa Babuje District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

Community sources said the victims were on duty protecting residents when the attackers struck.

On 24 October, a woman was reportedly killed and two other people injured while harvesting groundnuts at Gwom-Ajang in Foron District, Barkin Ladi.

The attack prompted community representatives to renew calls for improved security and protection for farmers.

The incidents have affected farmers, travellers, vigilantes, traditional leaders, and commercial transport operators, highlighting the risks residents face across several local government areas.

In Shendam, residents are urging security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the rider’s death, recover the stolen motorcycle and bring the perpetrators to justice.

As of Monday, security operatives had not publicly confirmed the incident or announced any arrests.