JOS — Tension has mounted across Takkas community, situated along the border of Pankshin and Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau State, following reports of an unidentified helicopter landing in a nearby forest just days after two youths were killed in an ambush.
The sighting has heightened fears among rural residents, who suspect the aircraft may be linked to ongoing armed logistics or logistics supply runs for militias operating in the surrounding border forests.
The incident follows the recent killing of two residents in nearby Tugu-Larpia village, who were reportedly ambushed and shot dead by suspected armed assailants.
Community Raises Alarm via Viral Video
Concerns over the aircraft intensified after video footage surfaced online showing local community members gathering to alert federal and state authorities to the suspicious aerial activity.
“We want to let the Plateau State Government, Nigeria, and the whole world know that an unidentified helicopter was seen in this community,” a resident stated in the video, pointing toward the forest tract where the aircraft was allegedly spotted making a low-altitude landing.
Locals expressed alarm that unauthorized rotary-wing aircraft are operating in sensitive border corridors without immediate interception by military radar or air defense assets.
Demands for Immediate Security Probe
Community leaders and youth groups in Pankshin and Mangu LGAs have called on the Plateau State Government, the Nigerian Air Force, and joint security forces under Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) to urgently investigate the report.
Residents warned that failure to clear the surrounding forests of illegal encampments and monitor air traffic risks exposing border settlements to further coordinated attacks.
“We are calling on security agencies to urgently deploy intelligence assets, investigate the purpose of this helicopter flight, and reinforce our communities before more lives are lost,” a local representative urged.
State police authorities and military officials have not yet issued a formal statement regarding the reported sighting, as community patrols remain on high alert.
