No fewer than 18 farmers were reportedly killed and several others injured after gunmen attacked Kawel village in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday night.
The latest assault comes barely a week after the killing of a traditional ruler in the same local government, heightening concerns over the worsening security situation in the area.
Confirming the incident on Monday, the Bokkos Youth Leader, Christopher Luka, said the attackers stormed the community at about 11:30 p.m., opening fire on residents.
According to him, information about the attack was relayed to him by another youth leader who witnessed the incident and immediately raised the alarm.
Luka said initial reports indicated that more than 20 people were shot during the invasion, while 18 deaths had so far been confirmed.
He explained that he promptly alerted security operatives stationed in Bokkos after receiving information about the attack.
According to him, the security personnel informed him that they had already received reports of the incident and were mobilising to the affected community.
Describing the attack as unprovoked, Luka called on security agencies to intensify efforts to prevent further bloodshed and restore confidence among residents.
The attack occurred days after the District Head of Gwande, Saf Samuel Alaket, was killed by gunmen along the Sha District axis near Daffo community. The traditional ruler was reportedly returning from a council meeting when he was ambushed.
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 latest attack. Efforts to obtain reactions from the authorities were unsuccessful.
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