Masked gunmen kill one person in Bunkpurugu over chieftaincy dispute

One person has been shot dead in Bunkpurugu, North East Region, as tensions over a long-standing chieftaincy dispute between the Jamong and Jafouk royal families escalated into violence. The victim, identified as Jaremian, was reportedly attacked by masked gunmen on motorbikes. The incident occurred despite a heavy security presence in the township, highlighting the volatile nature of the traditional leadership crisis currently gripping the area.

The latest flare-up is linked to the recent enskinment of Melchizedek Musah Jamung as a chief, a move that remains heavily contested. The Jamong and Jafouk families have been embroiled in a dispute over traditional authority for years, with the recent installation serving as a catalyst for renewed hostilities. The attack by the unidentified gunmen has intensified fears among residents who were already living under heightened security measures intended to maintain peace.

In the wake of the killing, the local Paramount Chief has condemned the violence and urged both factions to exercise restraint. However, residents have expressed frustration and dissatisfaction with the perceived ineffectiveness of the security forces on the ground. Community members are calling on the government and national security agencies to take more decisive actions to stabilize the region and prevent further loss of life as the dispute remains unresolved.

Bunkpurugu has historically been a flashpoint for traditional conflict in the North East Region, with succession crises frequently leading to civil unrest. While security personnel remain deployed in the town to deter further clashes, the underlying tensions between the royal families continue to pose a significant threat to public safety. The government is being urged to facilitate a lasting mediation process to restore order and ensure the safety of the local population.