At least 21 people have been killed and several others injured following a fresh attack by armed gunmen on a community in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, adding to the growing insecurity that has continued to plague Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday in Kawel village, located in the Mushere Kingdom of Bokkos. Residents said the assailants stormed the community while many villagers were asleep, opening fire on homes and forcing terrified residents to flee for safety. Local sources described the assault as sudden and unprovoked.
According to police authorities, security personnel responded to distress calls and engaged the attackers in a gun battle. The gunmen eventually retreated from the area, although no arrests had been announced as of the latest reports.
The victims have since been buried after their families reportedly declined autopsies. Community leaders and residents expressed anger over the recurring attacks, lamenting that many rural communities remain vulnerable despite repeated assurances from security agencies.
Reacting to the tragedy, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang directed emergency and humanitarian agencies to provide immediate support to affected families and survivors. He also called for intensified security operations to prevent further attacks in the area.
The latest killings come amid a resurgence of violence in Plateau State, where communities have repeatedly suffered deadly attacks linked to longstanding conflicts involving land disputes, ethnic tensions and armed criminal activities. Security experts warn that the recurring bloodshed highlights the urgent need for stronger protection of vulnerable communities and more effective responses to intelligence warnings.
The attack has once again renewed calls for decisive action from both federal and state authorities as residents demand justice for the victims and lasting solutions to the persistent insecurity affecting the region.
