At least eight people have been killed after gunmen launched a late-night assault on Mbwelle village in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attackers reportedly invaded the community around 11 p.m. on Thursday, firing indiscriminately at residents in a shooting that lasted close to an hour.
All the victims were said to be from the same family, while no fewer than three others sustained injuries and several persons are still unaccounted for.
Those confirmed dead include Elder Iliya Mangut Dakus, Luck Titus Dakus, Habila Istifanu Dakus, Hassan Istifanus Dakus, Hassan Moses Dakus, Biggie Lucky Dakus, Sunday Gideon Dakus, and Innocent Barnabas Makwin.
The Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area, Samuel Amalau, expressed deep concern over the recurring violence in the area during a phone interview.
In a separate statement issued on Friday, he strongly condemned what he described as renewed, unprovoked attacks in Bokkos, particularly the incident in Mbwelle community of Kwatas Ward.
“I write with a deeply burdened heart to express my profound shock and heartfelt sadness over this senseless act of violence perpetrated by terrorists against innocent and law-abiding citizens,” Amalau said.
He extended condolences to the affected families, describing the killings as “a direct assault on our collective humanity and peaceful coexistence”, while also wishing the injured a quick recovery.
Amalau commended security agencies for their efforts but urged residents to support them with timely and reliable information to help prevent further violence.
“Community vigilance has become more critical now than ever. I call on all residents to remain alert and proactive in safeguarding their neighbourhoods,” he said.
He also appealed to young people in the area to remain calm and avoid actions that could escalate tensions, while reaffirming the right to lawful self-defence.
“The government is working closely with security agencies to ensure that those behind these atrocities are identified and brought to justice. We remain resolute in restoring lasting peace across Bokkos,” he added.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force in the state, Alfred Alabo, confirmed that investigations are ongoing and assured that more details would be provided in due course.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos, Kefas Mallai, said the attack has heightened tension in the area.
“The community is very close to Bokkos town. The attack lasted for several hours with no visible security presence to repel the attackers,” he said.
Mallai added that residents are increasingly frustrated over what they see as a delayed response from security operatives, noting that some locals are already considering protests.
He further claimed that security personnel were deployed to another nearby community, which residents suspect to be the origin of the attackers.
What you should know
Eight people from the same family were killed in a late-night attack in Bokkos, Plateau State, highlighting ongoing insecurity in the region.
The assault, which lasted nearly an hour, also left several injured and others missing. Local authorities have condemned the killings and promised justice, while security agencies have launched investigations. However, residents have raised concerns over delayed response by security forces, increasing tensions in the community.
The incident reflects recurring violence in parts of Plateau State and the urgent need for stronger security measures to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks.
