By Ayomide Otitoju
At least eight persons have been killed in a late-night attack by gunmen on Mbwelle village in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The assailants reportedly invaded the community around 11 p.m. on Thursday, opening fire on residents in a shooting that lasted nearly an hour. The victims were said to be members of the same family, while at least three others sustained injuries and several persons remain unaccounted for.
Those confirmed dead include Elder Iliya Mangut Dakus, Luck Titus Dakus, Habila Istifanu Dakus, Hassan Istifanus Dakus, Hassan Moses Dakus, Biggie Lucky Dakus, and Sunday Gideon Dakus.
Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area, Samuel Amalau, expressed concern over the recurring violence in the area during a phone interview with Channels Television. In a separate statement issued on Friday, he condemned the attack, describing it as a resurgence of unprovoked violence in Mbwelle community, Kwatas Ward.
“I write with a deeply burdened heart to express my profound shock and heartfelt sadness over this senseless act of violence perpetrated against innocent and law-abiding citizens,” Amalau said.
He extended condolences to the bereaved families, describing the killings as “a direct assault on our collective humanity and peaceful coexistence,” and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The council chairman commended security agencies for their efforts but urged residents to provide timely and credible information to help prevent further attacks. He also called for heightened vigilance among community members and appealed to youths to exercise restraint to avoid escalating tensions, while reaffirming the right to lawful self-defence.
Amalau added that authorities were working closely with security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible, pledging to restore lasting peace in the area.
Meanwhile, spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, Alfred Alabo, confirmed that investigations are ongoing and assured that further details would be made available.
Earlier, Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos, Kefas Mallai, said the attack has heightened tension in the area. He noted that the community is located close to Bokkos town and alleged that the assault lasted for hours without visible security intervention.
Mallai also disclosed that residents are angered by what they described as a delayed response by security operatives, adding that some locals are already planning protests. He further claimed that security personnel were deployed to another community suspected by natives to be linked to the attackers.
