By Israel Adamu, Jos
The death toll from a late Sunday night attack on Kawel village in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State has risen to 22, with health workers, patients and security personnel reportedly among the victims.Residents said the attackers invaded the community around 11:40 p.m. while people were asleep, shooting at residents and forcing many to flee.A resident, Malo Bitrus, said several people were killed during the attack, while others sustained injuries.
A Red Cross official involved in emergency response operations said the attackers also targeted the community’s Primary Health Care Centre, where health workers and patients were reportedly affected.The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said victims included civilians and security personnel, while survivors were evacuated for medical attention.
Confirming the incident, Bokkos Youth Leader Christopher Luka said local leaders received reports of the attack shortly after midnight. “A youth leader called around 12 a.m. and informed me that gunmen had attacked the community. So far, 22 deaths have been confirmed,” Luka said. He added that some of the victims were health workers and patients receiving treatment at the facility.
The youth leader appealed to security agencies to strengthen protection around vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks. Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Plateau State Police Command and Operation Safe Haven were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
