The Panwok Legacy Foundation has raised the alarm over what it described as rising insecurity, criminality and reported cases of suspected ritual-related killings in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Foundation, in a statement issued on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, said the recent discovery of the mutilated body of an unidentified man around the Monday Market area of Pankshin had heightened fear and anxiety among residents.
It, however, urged members of the public to refrain from drawing conclusions until security authorities complete investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death.
The statement, signed by the Foundation’s Secretary, Dewan Kenabe Gabriel, and Chairman, NDE (CSP) Philip Gomerep (Rtd.), stressed that the sanctity of human life must remain non-negotiable.
According to the Foundation, Pankshin has a proud history, rich cultural heritage and a tradition of peaceful coexistence, and residents should be able to live, work, worship and conduct their legitimate activities without fear.
The organisation condemned what it described as murder, kidnapping, violent crime, suspected ritual-related criminality and other threats to human life, regardless of the identity or status of those responsible.
The Panwok Legacy Foundation called on the Executive Chairman of Pankshin LGA to convene another comprehensive security stakeholders’ meeting, building on a similar initiative recently undertaken by the council.
It said the proposed meeting should involve security agencies, the Traditional Council, district and community heads, religious leaders, youth and women representatives, community and vigilante security structures, market and transport associations, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders.
The Foundation said such a meeting should produce a practical and coordinated security strategy for the Local Government Area, including mechanisms for intelligence sharing, early warning, community surveillance and rapid response.
The Foundation also called on the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other relevant agencies to intensify intelligence-led operations across Pankshin LGA.
It urged security authorities to thoroughly investigate the death reported around Monday Market and examine other credible reports concerning suspected ritual killings and violent crimes in the area.
The organisation further called for increased security presence around markets, isolated locations, vulnerable communities and other identified security risk areas.
It also urged authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering and create effective channels for residents to confidentially provide credible information.
The Foundation stressed that suspects should be properly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law, while innocent persons must be protected from wrongful accusation.
The Foundation appealed to the Pankshin/Kanke Joint Traditional Council and traditional rulers across Pankshin LGA to provide strong leadership and strengthen community intelligence networks in collaboration with security agencies and the Local Government Council.
It also appealed to youths in the area to remain calm and vigilant, warning against mob action, jungle justice, reprisals, profiling and the circulation of unverified information on social media.
“Anyone with credible information about criminal activities should report it through appropriate security channels. We must fight crime without creating new victims,” the Foundation said.
The Foundation maintained that security is a collective responsibility requiring the cooperation of government, security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders, youths, parents and community organisations.
It called on stakeholders to put aside political, ethnic, religious and personal differences and unite in protecting lives and maintaining peace in Pankshin.
“We must not wait until insecurity becomes uncontrollable before we act,” the organisation said.
The Panwok Legacy Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to peace, justice, human dignity, protection of life, community security, responsible citizenship and the rule of law.
It urged all relevant authorities to act urgently to ensure that Pankshin remains safe for residents, visitors, businesses and future generations.
