Death toll from Plateau community attack rises to 20

The number of people killed in the attack on the Kawel community in the Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State, has now reached 20.

Initially, 18 deaths were reported, but the police confirmed that two more victims died while getting treatment in the hospital.

On Monday, both the Plateau State Police Command and the Plateau State Government condemned the attack. They promised to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

Police spokesperson Alfred Alabo said the attack happened around 4:40 a.m. on Sunday in Kawel. He added that police officers and other security agencies responded to the attack and exchanged gunfire with the attackers.

“Regrettably, eighteen persons were confirmed dead at the scene of the attack, while three others were rushed to the hospital for medical attention. Subsequently, two of the injured victims were confirmed dead by a medical doctor, bringing the total number of casualties to twenty,” he said.

The police reported that the attackers ran away after facing resistance from security forces. The Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and the Area Commander in Pankshin to move to the affected area and oversee security operations.

Additional tactical teams and Police Mobile Force personnel have also been sent to the community. Mr Ewah offered condolences to the families of the victims and assured residents that security agencies are working hard to catch those responsible.

In a separate statement, Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, said Governor Caleb Mutfwang has directed security agencies to intensify their operations in the area.

“The governor has directed all relevant security agencies to immediately intensify operations in the affected area, identify and apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure that they are brought to justice without delay,” the statement said.

The government also plans to provide emergency relief and support to injured victims and affected families. “Criminal elements and enemies of peace will not be allowed to derail the progress being made towards achieving lasting peace and sustainable development across the State,” the government said.

Authorities are urging residents to stay calm and avoid retaliatory actions while cooperating with ongoing investigations.

Earlier, community leaders confirmed the killing of 18 residents following the attack on Kawel and nearby Kopkon communities in Mushere District. Christopher Luka, a youth leader in Bokkos, mentioned that gunmen attacked the communities late Sunday night, leading to many deaths and injuries.

These killings happened just days after the District Head of Gwande, Saf Samuel Alaket, was ambushed and killed while coming back from a traditional council meeting along the Sha-Daffo axis in Bokkos Local Government Area.

This attack adds to a series of violent incidents reported across Plateau State in recent weeks. On June 15, it was reported that eight people were killed and over 10 others injured when gunmen attacked Gwon-Ajang village in Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area during a birthday celebration.

On June 11, three residents were killed in separate attacks in Ta-Hoss and Bangai communities of Riyom Local Government Area, according to the Berom Youth Moulders Association.

Earlier in June, at least 12 people, including women and children, were killed in a midnight attack on the Ngbra-Zongo community in Bassa Local Government Area.

The ongoing attacks have raised serious concerns about security in Plateau State, despite ongoing operations by security agencies under Operation Enduring Peace.