AT least 18 farmers have been killed and several others injured following a late-night attack on Kawel village in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident, which occurred around 11:30 p.m. yesterday, was confirmed by Christopher Luka, who said armed attackers stormed the community and opened fire on residents.
According to Luka, a local youth leader alerted him shortly after the attack began, reporting that more than 20 people had been shot.
By the time information was verified, 18 deaths had been confirmed.
He explained that he immediately contacted security personnel stationed in Bokkos, who informed him that they had already received reports of the attack and were mobilising to the affected community.
The latest violence comes less than a week after the killing of the District Head of Gwande, Saf Samuel Alaket, who was ambushed and killed along the Sha District axis bordering Daffo community in the same local government area.
The traditional ruler was reportedly returning from a council meeting when the attack occurred.
Luka described the latest assault as unprovoked and urged security agencies to take decisive measures to prevent further escalation of violence in the area.
As of the time of reporting, security authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Efforts to obtain comments from the spokespersons of the Plateau State Police Command and Operation Enduring Peace were unsuccessful.
The attack adds to growing concerns over recurring violence in parts of Plateau State, where communities have continued to experience deadly attacks that have claimed lives and displaced residents.
