Late-Night Attack in Plateau Village Leaves Several Dead and Community Displaced

Late-Night Attack in Plateau Village Leaves Several Dead and Community Displaced

At least 22 people have been killed following a late-night attack on Kawel village in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area in Plateau State, in one of the latest incidents in a wave of ongoing violence across the region.

Residents said the attack happened around 11:30pm on Sunday while most people were asleep. Gunmen reportedly stormed the community and opened fire indiscriminately, leaving several dead and others injured before fleeing the scene.

Community sources, including youth leader Christopher Luka, described the assault as sudden and unprovoked.

He said security agencies were alerted immediately after the attack, but the violence had already caused significant casualties.

Emergency responders later confirmed that both civilians and frontline workers were among the victims. A local health facility was also reportedly targeted during the attack, with health personnel on duty said to be among those killed.

Survivors were evacuated to nearby hospitals for treatment, while many injured victims were transferred to larger medical facilities in Bokkos and Mangu.

The death toll, initially reported lower, was later confirmed to have risen to 22 after additional victims succumbed to injuries. Several homes and food storage structures in the village were also destroyed or set on fire, forcing many residents to flee to neighbouring communities.

The Plateau State Government condemned the incident, describing it as a brutal and senseless act of violence. Authorities said security agencies had been directed to intensify operations in the area and track down those responsible.

Police authorities confirmed the attack and said personnel had been deployed to restore order and prevent further escalation. Additional tactical teams, including mobile police units, were also dispatched to the community.

The renewed attack adds to a growing pattern of violence across Plateau State in recent months, where dozens of people have been killed in repeated assaults on farming and rural communities despite multiple security interventions and government assurances.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing, while residents continue to call for stronger protection and lasting measures to prevent further bloodshed in affected areas.