No fewer than 21 people were reportedly killed and several others injured following a late-night attack on Kawel Village in Mushere Kingdom, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Gatekeepers News reports that residents alleged that the attackers were suspected Fulani herders who stormed the community on Sunday night while most residents were asleep.
A resident of Mushere Kingdom, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, said the assailants carried out the attack and fled without encountering resistance or an immediate response from security agencies.
The resident described the incident as another sign of the worsening security situation in the area.
Another resident, Malo Bitrus, said the attackers invaded the village at about 11:40 p.m., opening fire on residents and forcing many to flee for safety.
According to him, more than 21 people lost their lives during the assault.
Confirming the incident, Bokkos Youth Leader, Christopher Luka, said local 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 after 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 strengthen security measures in vulnerable communities to prevent further bloodshed.
The latest violence comes less than a week after the killing of the District Head of Gwande in Bokkos Local Government Area, Saf Samuel Alaket.
Alaket was reportedly attacked and killed 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.
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.
Security agencies are yet to issue a formal statement on the attack, while residents continue to call for increased protection amid recurring violence in parts of Plateau State.
