A demonstration by youths protesting the killing of a Monarch in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau state turned violent when soldiers opened fire at the crowd who blocked the road and prevented vehicular traffic.

Not less than four people are said to have died when the rampaging youths tried to engage the soldiers.

Witnesses say that three of seven people who were injured in the attack, died, bringing the death toll to four.

Soldiers serving with the Special Task Force on Jos crisis on Thursday opened fire on youth who blocked a road in Bokkos in protest of the killing of a monarch and a night attack there Wednesday.

Residents said there is tension in Bokkos town, as many have fled the area to seek refuge elsewhere. The weekly Thursday market in the town could not open due to the crisis.

The military special task force has also imposed a 24-hour curfew on the town.

A spokesperson for the STF, Ikedichi Iweha, denied that soldiers killed the youth. He however confirmed the death of three of the youth who barricaded the routes.

Iweha, a captain, said the youth were about to lynch some persons they suspected of being responsible for the killings, when soldiers intervened.

He said the youth shot at soldiers, injuring some of them.