Plateau village attack killings leave eight dead in Mbwelle, Bokkos LGA as gunmen storm community, sparking outrage and security concerns

Gunmen invaded Mbwelle village in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State on Thursday night, killing at least eight persons in a violent attack that left several others injured and some residents missing.

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The attack occurred around 11pm when armed assailants stormed the community and opened fire indiscriminately on residents, according to community leaders and local security observers.

Most of the victims were reportedly members of the same family, with those killed identified as Elder Iliya Mangut Dakus, Mr Luck Titus Dakus, Mr Habila Istifanu Dakus, Mr Hassan Istifanus Dakus, Mrs Hassan Moses Dakus, Biggie Lucky Dakus, Sunday Gideon Dakus, and Mr Innocent Barnabas Makwin.

The Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, Kefas Mallai, confirmed the incident, saying the attackers operated for several hours without any immediate security intervention.

Mallai said about three other persons sustained injuries during the assault, while several community members remained unaccounted for as of Friday morning.

He described the Plateau village attack killings as a deeply troubling development, adding that residents were frustrated over what they viewed as a delayed security response despite the village’s proximity to Bokkos town.

“The attack lasted for several hours with no visible security presence to repel the attackers,” Mallai stated, noting that residents were considering protests over repeated insecurity in the area.

Youth leader Christopher Luka also confirmed the attack, describing it as a devastating incident that appeared to target a single extended family.

Security agencies had not issued an official statement at the time of filing this report. Efforts to reach the Plateau State Police Command and military task force spokespersons were unsuccessful.

The latest attack adds to a growing wave of violence in parts of Plateau State, where rural communities have faced repeated assaults in recent years, raising concerns over worsening insecurity.

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Local groups have continued to call for increased patrols and stronger protection of vulnerable rural corridors, as fear and tension persist across affected communities.