No fewer than 21 people have been killed and several others injured following a fresh attack on Kawel Village in Mushere Kingdom, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Residents said the attack occurred late Sunday night while members of the community were asleep, with the assailants reportedly storming the village and opening fire on residents.
Some residents alleged that the attackers were suspected Fulani herdsmen, although security agencies had yet to officially confirm the identity of those responsible as of press time.
A resident of Mushere Kingdom, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the attackers struck swiftly and left the area without encountering resistance or an immediate response from security personnel.
The resident described the incident as another indication of the deteriorating security situation in the area.
Another resident, Malo Bitrus, told journalists that the gunmen invaded the community at about 11:40 p.m., shooting indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee for safety.
According to him, more than 21 people lost their lives during the attack, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Confirming the incident, Bokkos Youth Leader, Christopher Luka, said local youth leaders received reports of the attack shortly after midnight.
“A youth leader called around 12:10 a.m. and reported that gunmen had attacked the community and shot several people. So far, 21 deaths have been confirmed,” Luka said.
He explained that he immediately alerted security personnel stationed in Bokkos upon receiving information about the attack.
“I contacted security personnel, and they confirmed they had received information about the incident and were moving to the affected community,” he added.
Luka described the attack as unprovoked and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to prevent further violence and strengthen protection for vulnerable communities across the local government area.
The latest attack comes less than five days after the killing of the District Head of Gwande in Bokkos Local Government Area, Saf Samuel Alaket.
Alaket was reportedly attacked along the Sha District axis bordering Daffo community while returning from a traditional council meeting.
Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, SP Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
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However, the spokesman for Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, said he had not yet received an official report on the incident.
“I have not received any information about the incident. I will brief you if there is anything like that,” Oteh said.
The attack has heightened concerns over the recurring violence in parts of Plateau State, with residents and community leaders urging security agencies to take decisive action to protect lives and property.
