18 farmers feared killed, several others injured in fresh attack on Plateau community

No fewer than 18 farmers have reportedly been killed and several others injured following an attack on Kawel village in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to a report by Daily Trust, the attack occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on Sunday.

A youth leader in Bokkos, Christopher Luka, confirmed the incident, saying he received a distress call from community members shortly after the attack began.

The latest assault comes less than five days after the District Head of Gwande in Bokkos LGA, Saf Samuel Alaket, was killed in an ambush along the Sha District axis bordering Daffo community.

Mr Alaket was reportedly returning home from a traditional council meeting when he was attacked and killed by gunmen.

Speaking on the latest incident, Mr Luka said a member of the youth council alerted him that armed men had invaded Kawel village and opened fire on residents.

“A youth leader called around 12 a.m. and informed me that gunmen had attacked the community and shot over 20 people. So far, 18 deaths have been confirmed,” he said.

Mr Luka said he immediately notified security personnel stationed in Bokkos, who assured him that they had received reports of the attack and were mobilising to the affected community.

“I contacted the security personnel, and they confirmed that they had already been alerted and were on their way to the attacked community,” he added.

Describing the attack as unprovoked, Mr Luka called on security agencies to take decisive measures to prevent further violence and restore peace in the area.

The incident has heightened concerns over the recurring attacks in parts of Bokkos and other communities in Plateau State, where residents have continued to face security challenges despite ongoing efforts by authorities to curb the violence.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the attack.