Plateau attack death toll rises to 22, health workers, security personnel among victims

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By Golok Nanmwa

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JOS — The death toll from Sunday night’s attack on Kawel village in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State has risen to 22, with health workers, patients and security personnel among those killed.

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Residents said armed attackers stormed the community late Sunday night, opening fire on residents and causing widespread panic.

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A Red Cross official involved in emergency response operations disclosed that the assailants also attacked the community’s Primary Health Care Centre during the assault.

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The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said health workers on duty and some patients receiving treatment at the facility were among the victims.

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According to the source, those killed included civilians and security personnel, while several others sustained gunshot wounds and machete injuries.

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The official added that survivors had been evacuated to medical facilities for treatment and stabilisation.

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Providing an update on the incident, Bokkos Youth Leader, Christopher Luka, said the casualty figure had increased following further assessments.

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“I visited the hospital and saw the situation myself. So far, 22 deaths have been recorded, including women. The victims are yet to be buried because of the rainfall experienced since morning,” Luka said.

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“The victims included health workers serving at the hospital and some patients who were receiving treatment.”

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The latest attack occurred less than a week after the killing of the District Head of Gwande, Saf Samuel Alaket, who was reportedly attacked along the Sha District axis bordering the Daffo community while returning from a traditional council meeting.

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As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Plateau State Police Command and Operation Safe Haven were unsuccessful.

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