Plateau Tragedy: Gunmen kill eight family members, injure others in Bokkos night attack

Eight persons have been killed following a late-night attack by gunmen in Mbwelle village, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attackers reportedly invaded the community around 11 p.

m. on Thursday, opening fire on residents in a sporadic shooting that lasted nearly an hour.
The victims were all members of the same family, while at least three others sustained injuries and several persons are still missing.
Those confirmed dead include Elder Iliya Mangut Dakus, Luck Titus Dakus, Habila Istifanu Dakus, Hassan Istifanus Dakus, Hassan Moses Dakus, Biggie Lucky Dakus, Sunday Gideon Dakus, and Innocent Barnabas Makwin.
Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area, Samuel Amalau, who spoke with Channels Television via telephone, expressed concern over the recurring violence in the area.
In a separate statement issued on Friday, the chairman condemned what he described as a resurgence of unprovoked attacks in Bokkos, particularly the incident in Mbwelle community of Kwatas Ward.
“I write with a deeply burdened heart to express my profound shock and heartfelt sadness over this senseless act of violence perpetrated by terrorists 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.
Amalau also commended security agencies for their efforts and urged residents to support them with timely and credible information to help prevent further attacks.
“Community vigilance has become more critical now than ever. I call on all residents to remain alert and proactive in safeguarding their neighbourhoods,” he added.
He further appealed to youths to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could escalate tensions, while reaffirming the right to lawful self-defence.
“The government is working closely with security agencies to ensure that those behind these atrocities are identified and brought to justice. We remain resolute in restoring lasting peace across Bokkos,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, confirmed that investigations are ongoing and assured that more details would be made available.
Earlier, Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos, Kefas Mallai, said the attack had heightened tension in the area.
“The community is very close to Bokkos town. The attack lasted for several hours with no visible security presence to repel the attackers,” he said.
Mallai added that residents are angered by what they described as the failure of security operatives to respond promptly, revealing that some locals are already planning protests.
He further claimed that security personnel were instead deployed to protect another community suspected by natives to be the origin of the attackers.