The death toll from Sunday’s attack on the Kawel community in the Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State has risen to 20.
Eighteen people were initially reported killed, but the police have now confirmed that two more victims died while receiving treatment in the hospital.
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In separate statements on Monday, the Plateau State Police Command and the Plateau State Government condemned the attack and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Police spokesperson Alfred Alabo said the attack occurred at about 4:40 a.m. on Sunday in Kawel.
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Mr Alabo said police officers, working with other security agencies, responded to the attack and engaged the assailants in a gun battle.
“Regrettably, eighteen persons were confirmed dead at the scene of the attack, while three others were rushed to the hospital for medical attention. Subsequently, two of the injured victims were confirmed dead by a medical doctor, bringing the total number of casualties to twenty,” he said.
According to the police, the attackers fled after encountering resistance from security personnel.
The Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and the Area Commander in Pankshin to relocate to the affected area to coordinate security operations.
The command also deployed additional tactical teams and Police Mobile Force personnel to the community.
Mr Ewah expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured residents that security agencies were intensifying efforts to apprehend those responsible.
In a separate statement, Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, said Governor Caleb Mutfwang had ordered security agencies to intensify operations in the area.
“The governor has directed all relevant security agencies to immediately intensify operations in the affected area, identify and apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure that they are brought to justice without delay,” the statement said.
The government also announced plans to provide emergency relief and support to injured victims and affected families.
“Criminal elements and enemies of peace will not be allowed to derail the progress being made towards achieving lasting peace and sustainable development across the State,” the government said.
Authorities urged residents to remain calm and avoid reprisals while cooperating with ongoing investigations.
PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that community leaders initially confirmed the killing of 18 residents following the attack on Kawel and neighbouring Kopkon communities in Mushere District.
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Christopher Luka, a youth leader in Bokkos, had said gunmen attacked the communities late Sunday night, leaving dozens of residents dead and injured.
The latest killings came less than a week after the District Head of Gwande, Saf Samuel Alaket, was ambushed and killed while returning from a traditional council meeting along the Sha-Daffo axis in Bokkos Local Government Area.
The attack also adds to a series of violent incidents reported across Plateau State in recent weeks.
On 15 June, PREMIUM TIMES reported that eight persons were killed and more than 10 others injured when gunmen attacked Gwon-Ajang village in Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area during a birthday celebration.
On 11 June, three residents were killed in separate attacks in Ta-Hoss and Bangai communities of Riyom Local Government Area, according to the Berom Youth Moulders Association.
Earlier in June, at least 12 people, including women and children, were killed in a midnight attack on the Ngbra-Zongo community in Bassa Local Government Area.
The recurring attacks have heightened concerns over insecurity in Plateau State despite ongoing operations by security agencies under Operation Enduring Peace.
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