Police have confirmed that 20 people lost their lives following an attack on Kawel Community in Mushere District, Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State in the early hours of Monday.
According to the Plateau State Police Command, 18 victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others later succumbed to their injuries.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Alfred Alabo, announced the incident in a statement issued on Monday in Jos. He clarified that the attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday, when armed assailants stormed the community.
Upon receiving a distress call, Commissioner of Police (CP) Bassey Ewah immediately ordered the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Bokkos to deploy personnel to the area. Police officers, working alongside the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and other security agencies, engaged the attackers in a gun battle, ultimately forcing them to flee.
Alabo explained that two of the wounded victims later died in the hospital, bringing the total number of casualties to 20. The remains of the victims have since been released to their families for burial after relatives declined autopsies.
The CP has conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Bokkos LGA, assuring them that security agencies are committed to tracking down, arresting, and prosecuting those responsible. He has also directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) and the Area Commander in Pankshin LGA to relocate to the affected area to oversee security operations and prevent further attacks.
Additionally, tactical teams and Police Mobile Force personnel have been deployed to restore order and launch a manhunt for the perpetrators. The PPRO urged residents to remain calm, continue with their lawful activities, and support security efforts by providing credible information to authorities to help maintain peace in the state.
