At least 21 people have been killed and several others injured following a fresh attack on Kawel Village in Mushere Kingdom, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Residents accused suspected Fulani herdsmen of carrying out the late-night assault, which reportedly occurred on Sunday while villagers were asleep.
A resident of Mushere Kingdom, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, said the attackers stormed the community unexpectedly and left before security operatives could respond.
According to the resident, the incident highlights the worsening security challenges facing communities in the area.
Another local resident, Malo Bitrus, said the gunmen invaded the village at about 11:40 p.m., opening fire indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee for safety.
“The attackers shot at people randomly, causing panic across the community. More than 21 people were killed during the attack,” he said.
Confirming the incident, Bokkos Youth Leader Christopher Luka said local leaders were alerted shortly after midnight that armed men had invaded the community and attacked residents.
“A youth leader called around 12:10 a.m. to report that gunmen had attacked the village and shot several people. As of now, 21 deaths have been confirmed,” Luka stated.
He added that he immediately contacted security personnel stationed in Bokkos, who assured him they had received information about the incident and were mobilising to the affected area.
Luka described the attack as unprovoked and called on security agencies to strengthen efforts to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further bloodshed in the region.
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 along the Sha District axis near 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.
Meanwhile, the spokesman for Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, said he had not yet received any official report regarding the incident.
“I have not received any information about the attack. If there is any official update, I will brief you accordingly,” Oteh said.