No fewer than 21 persons are feared dead following a fresh attack on Kawel Village in Mushere Kingdom, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, in the latest incident of violence to hit the troubled area. Blueprint reports

The Plateau attack reportedly occurred late Sunday night when armed men invaded the community and opened fire on residents, leaving several others injured and forcing many villagers to flee for safety.

Residents of Plateau said the assailants struck while most members of the community were asleep, creating panic as gunshots rang through the village.

A resident of Mushere Kingdom of Plateau State, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, alleged that the attackers were suspected Fulani herdsmen.

A resident of Mushere Kingdom of Plateau State, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, alleged that the attackers were suspected Fulani herdsmen.

According to the resident, the gunmen carried out the operation swiftly and left before security operatives could arrive at the scene.

He lamented what he described as the deteriorating security situation in the area, noting that communities in Mushere and other parts of Bokkos have repeatedly come under attack despite the presence of security personnel in the local government area.

Another resident, Malo Bitrus, said the attackers stormed the village at about 11:40 p.m. and began shooting indiscriminately at residents.

Bitrus said the attack left more than 21 persons dead, while several others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment.

The attack has reportedly thrown the community into mourning, with families struggling to come to terms with the loss of loved ones.

The Bokkos Youth Leader, Christopher Luka, confirmed the attack and the casualty figure.

Luka said information about the incident reached community leaders shortly after midnight.

According to him, a youth leader from the affected area contacted him around 12:10 a.m. and reported that gunmen had invaded the community and shot several residents.

“A youth leader called around 12:10 a.m. and reported that gunmen had attacked the community and shot several people. So far, 21 deaths have been confirmed,” he said.

Luka disclosed that he immediately alerted security personnel stationed in Bokkos, who informed him that they had already received reports of the attack and were mobilising to the area.

He described the attack as unprovoked and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to prevent further violence in vulnerable communities across the local government area.

The latest incident has heightened fears among residents of Bokkos, which has experienced recurring security challenges in recent months.

Only days before the attack, the District Head of Gwande in Bokkos Local Government Area, Saf Samuel Alaket, was killed in an ambush by gunmen while returning from a traditional council meeting. Reports indicated that the traditional ruler was attacked along the Sha District axis bordering Daffo community and later died from injuries sustained during the assault.

The killing of the district head had already generated tension within communities in Bokkos, with residents expressing concerns about the growing insecurity in the area.

Community leaders described Alaket as a respected traditional ruler who played a significant role in promoting peace and development within his domain. His death sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for stronger security measures across the local government area.

The latest attack is also coming barely two months after gunmen attacked Mbwelle Village in Bokkos Local Government Area, killing eight persons, most of whom were members of the same family.

The April attack, which occurred at night, left several others injured and drew condemnation from local authorities and community groups, who complained about delayed security response to the incident.

In recent weeks, residents and community leaders in Mushere have repeatedly raised concerns over attacks on rural communities, destruction of property and displacement of families.

Security reports and community accounts indicate that several communities within Mushere Chiefdom have faced persistent threats, forcing some residents to seek refuge in safer locations while others continue to live in fear of further attacks.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to officially confirm the latest attack.

Efforts to obtain a reaction from the spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, SP Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful.

Similarly, the spokesman of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, said he had not received any official report concerning the incident.

“I have not received any information about the incident. I will brief you if there is anything like that,” Oteh said.

Despite the absence of official confirmation, residents and community leaders are urging authorities to take urgent steps to prevent further bloodshed and restore confidence among communities that continue to live under the threat of violence.

The attack on Kawel Village has once again drawn attention to the fragile security situation in Plateau State and the growing concerns over the safety of rural communities, particularly in Bokkos Local Government Area, where repeated attacks have left many families grieving and displaced. (Blueprint)