Gunmen kill eight in late-night attack on Plateau community

Suspected terrorists have attacked Mbwelle village in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing at least eight persons in a late-night assault that has heightened tension in the community.

The attack, which occurred around 11 p.m. on Thursday, reportedly lasted for nearly an hour, as the assailants opened fire indiscriminately on residents.

Sources said most of the victims were members of the same family, while at least three others sustained injuries and several residents remain missing following the incident.

Those confirmed dead include Elder Iliya Mangut Dakus, Mr. Luck Titus Dakus, Mr. Habila Istifanu Dakus, Mr. Hassan Istifanus Dakus, Mrs. Hassan Moses Dakus, Biggie Lucky Dakus, Sunday Gideon Dakus, and Mr. Innocent Barnabas Makwin.

The Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos, Kefas Mallai, confirmed the attack, describing the situation as deeply troubling. He noted that the village is located close to Bokkos town and alleged that there was no immediate security response during the assault.

According to him, the prolonged attack has sparked anger among residents, with some community members already planning protests over what they described as failure of security agencies to protect lives and property.

Mallai further alleged that security personnel were instead deployed to guard another community believed by locals to be linked to the attackers, a development that has intensified suspicion and frustration.

Also confirming the incident, the Youth Leader of Bokkos, Christopher Luka, described the attack as devastating, noting that the gunmen appeared to have targeted a particular family.

“We have eight confirmed dead, some seriously injured, and others still unaccounted for,” he said.

Efforts to get an official response from the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

The latest attack adds to growing security concerns in Plateau State, where recurring violence has continued to claim lives and displace communities.