Late Community Leader Daniel Pulle Laid to Rest Amid Tears as Killing Continues to Stir Questions in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama 

Hundreds of mourners from different faiths and communities on Saturday gathered in Gana-Ropp, Ropp District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, to bid a final farewell to community leader, Mr. Daniel Pulle, popularly known as Nagunda, whose killing has continued to generate concern and controversy across the area.

Pulle, 60, was buried according to local customs amid emotional scenes as family members, traditional leaders, community elders, youths, women, and sympathisers paid glowing tributes to a man many described as a symbol of peace, unity and selfless service.

The late community leader was reportedly killed on the evening of June 28, 2026, in circumstances that remain unclear. His death has heightened concerns over networks of criminal militia groups operating in Barkin Ladi and renewed calls for a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.

Throughout the funeral ceremony, grief-stricken residents remembered Pulle as a humble and accommodating leader whose influence extended beyond ethnic and religious boundaries.

Many speakers described him as a bridge-builder who maintained cordial relationships with all segments of the community, including neighbouring Fulani settlements, despite the complex security challenges that have affected parts of Plateau State in recent years.

His reputation for peaceful coexistence was reflected in the large turnout at his burial, which drew hundreds of mourners comprising both Christians, Muslims and Fulani from within and outside Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

As prayers and tributes filled the atmosphere, many mourners struggled to hold back tears while recalling his contributions to community development and conflict resolution.

Residents said his death has left a vacuum in Gana-Ropp, where he was widely regarded as a respected voice of moderation and dialogue.

Although security agencies have yet to announce any arrest in connection with the killing, the incident has continued to generate widespread speculation among residents.

Community sources told Zagazola that one line of speculation centres on a prolonged leadership dispute involving Pulle and another member of the community. According to the sources, the disagreement had been the subject of litigation for an extended period before the court reportedly ruled in Pulle’s favour.

Other residents linked the incident to disagreements over land ownership and mining activities in the area.

According to community members, there had been disagreements between Pulle and some youths over parcels of land reportedly earmarked for mining activities involving Chinese investors.

The sources explained that while similar mining-related land transactions had reportedly been carried out successfully in other parts of Barkin Ladi, including neighbouring communities, efforts to execute a comparable arrangement in Gana-Ropp were met with resistance from some local residents.

However, none of the claims regarding the motive behind the killing has been officially confirmed by security authorities, and investigators have yet to disclose any findings linking the incident to either the leadership dispute or the land-related disagreements.

Many appealed to the Plateau State Government and security agencies to ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice.

“This is not just the loss of a family; it is the loss of an entire community,” one elderly mourner said. “Nagunda believed in peace and lived for his people. We owe him justice.”

Others noted that despite differences that naturally arise within communities, Pulle consistently advocated dialogue rather than confrontation and remained accessible to people across religious and ethnic divides.

As the late community leader was lowered into the earth amid prayers and sobbing relatives, mourners said the greatest tribute to his memory would be the restoration of peace and justice in Gana-Ropp.

Residents expressed hope that a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death would not only bring closure to his family but also help prevent further tension within the community.