22 Killed in Fresh Attack on Plateau Community
No fewer than 22 persons have been confirmed dead following an attack by suspected bandits on Kawel community in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attack reportedly occurred around midnight on Monday when the assailants stormed the community and opened fire on residents, causing widespread panic and casualties.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area, Samuel Amalau, said the attackers invaded the community at about 12 a.m. and carried out the deadly assault.
According to him, the gunmen also attacked a Primary Health Care Centre within the community, where four persons were reportedly killed.
Earlier reports from community sources suggested a higher death toll. A youth leader in the area, identified simply as Tula, claimed that as many as 30 people lost their lives during the attack.
However, Amalau stated that the casualty figure officially confirmed by local authorities currently stands at 22, while efforts are ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not issued an official statement on the attack. Authorities are said to be conducting further investigations, while efforts continue to verify the number of casualties and assess the damage caused by the assault.
The latest attack has heightened concerns over the persistent security challenges facing communities in Bokkos and other parts of Plateau State.