The number of lives lost in last Thursday’s gruesome attack by gunmen across communities in Plateau State has risen to 22, with fresh accounts painting a chilling picture of the violence.
In Tangur, a quiet village in Bokkos Local Government Area, 10 residents were reportedly killed, bringing the previous death toll to a confirmed 22 over the weekend.
Reports said six people were killed in Manja and Chakfem, communities in Mangu LGA that share a boundary with Mushere in Bokkos.
In Kwall District of Bassa LGA, gunmen ambushed travellers along Kperie Road, killing two on the spot and leaving one critically injured.
Many of the victims were women and children caught off guard by the attackers.
Mr. Kefas Mallai, Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos, confirmed the incident during a press briefing in Jos.
“The attack occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday night. People were going about their business peacefully when suddenly, gunmen appeared and started shooting,” Mallai said.
“The men tried to respond but couldn’t defend themselves. Some had to hide, but the women and children, being more vulnerable, were mostly the ones killed; thirteen bodies were found this morning. They didn’t burn any houses; they were just shooting. Anyone vulnerable they came across was targeted.”
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Council, Hon. Amalau Samuel Amalau, confirmed the killings, describing the attack as brutal and senseless.
He said some of the injured are receiving medical attention in various hospitals and that although security agencies were alerted during the incident, the assailants had already vanished by the time they arrived.