Fresh bloodshed has struck Plateau State as suspected gunmen killed at least 18 farmers and injured several others during a late-night attack on Kawel village in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area.
The latest assault, which occurred on Sunday night, has intensified fears among residents already reeling from a series of deadly attacks across Bokkos, one of Plateau’s most troubled flashpoints.
The killings came barely five days after the murder of the District Head of Gwande, Saf Samuel Alaket, who was ambushed and killed while returning from a traditional council meeting.
Confirming the incident on Monday, Bokkos Youth Leader Christopher Luka said the attackers invaded the community at about 11:30 p.m., opening fire on unsuspecting residents.
According to him, reports of the attack reached him while the gunmen were still operating in the village.
“A youth leader called me around midnight to inform me that armed men had attacked the community and shot many people. Eighteen deaths have been confirmed so far,” he said.
Luka disclosed that he immediately contacted security operatives in the area, who told him they had received similar distress calls and were moving to the scene.
The attack has renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in Bokkos, where communities have repeatedly come under violent assaults despite the presence of security personnel.
Describing the killings as senseless and devastating, the youth leader urged security agencies to take urgent and decisive action to prevent further loss of lives.
He also called on the government to strengthen protection for vulnerable rural communities and ensure that those behind the attack are swiftly brought to justice.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Plateau State Police Command nor Operation Enduring Peace had issued an official statement on the incident.
Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alabo Alfred, and the spokesman of Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Polycarp Auta, were unsuccessful.