Nineteen fatalities, numerous wounded in latest violence to hit Plateau region

A devastating attack on Kawel village in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State has left at least 19 people dead and several others injured, according to reports from residents.

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The assault occurred late on Sunday night, while villagers were asleep, with the sound of gunfire sending residents fleeing for their lives.

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Malo Bitrus, a Bokkos resident, recounted the events of the attack to Vanguard, stating that the gunmen stormed the village at approximately 11:40 p.m., firing shots indiscriminately.

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Bitrus confirmed that the death toll from the attack had exceeded 19, with many more injured in the chaos that ensued.

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Bokkos Youth Leader Christopher Luka confirmed the incident to Vanguard, stating that the attackers invaded the community and opened fire on residents, with information about the attack reaching local youth leaders shortly after midnight.

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Luka revealed that a youth leader had contacted him around 12 a.m. to report the attack, and by that time, 19 deaths had already been confirmed, prompting him to immediately alert security personnel stationed in Bokkos.

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Upon receiving the information, Luka said he contacted security personnel, who confirmed they were aware of the incident and were en route to the affected community to provide assistance.

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Luka described the attack as unprovoked and urged security agencies to step up their efforts to prevent further violence and provide better protection for vulnerable communities.

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The latest incident comes less than five days after the killing of Saf Samuel Alaket, the District Head of Gwande in Bokkos Local Government Area, who was attacked along the Sha District axis bordering the Daffo community while returning from a traditional council meeting.

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Efforts to obtain confirmation from SP Alfred Alabo, the spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, and Captain Polycarp Oteh, the spokesman of Operation Safe Haven, were unsuccessful, with more details expected to follow.