Fresh violence has rocked Plateau State after suspected terrorists launched a deadly late-night attack on Mbwelle village in Bokkos Local Government Area, killing at least eight people in what residents describe as a coordinated assault on a single family.
The attackers reportedly stormed the quiet community around 11pm, opening fire indiscriminately for nearly an hour. By the time the shooting stopped, eight persons lay dead, several others were injured, and some residents were still missing.
Local sources said most of those killed belonged to the same family, deepening the shock and grief within the community.
The victims have been identified as Elder Iliya Mangut Dakus, Luck Titus Dakus, Habila Istifanu Dakus, Hassan Istifanus Dakus, Mrs. Hassan Moses Dakus, Biggie Lucky Dakus, Sunday Gideon Dakus, and Innocent Barnabas Makwin.
Confirming the incident, Kefas Mallai, chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos, said the attack has thrown the area into tension and fear.
He alleged that the gunmen operated for hours without any intervention from security forces, despite the proximity of the community to Bokkos town.
Residents are now expressing anger over what they describe as a failure of security agencies to respond promptly, with some reportedly planning protests.
Christopher Luka, a youth leader in the area, described the incident as a devastating blow, noting that the attackers appeared to have deliberately targeted members of one family.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the police authorities.
The latest killings add to growing security concerns in parts of northern Nigeria, where communities continue to face recurring attacks, leaving many residents living in fear and uncertainty.
