The death toll from last Thursday's coordinated attacks by gunmen across multiple communities in Plateau State has risen to 22, according to local officials and community leaders.
In Tangur village, located in Bokkos Local Government Area, 10 residents were killed, significantly increasing the previously reported casualties. Six additional deaths were recorded in Manja and Chakfem communities in Mangu LGA, which share boundaries with Mushere in Bokkos.
The violence extended to Kwall District of Bassa LGA, where gunmen ambushed travelers along Kperie Road, killing two people instantly and leaving one person critically injured.
Women and Children Among Primary Victims
Mr. Kefas Mallai, Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos, confirmed that many of the victims were women and children who were caught unprepared by the sudden attack.
"The attack occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday night. People were going about their business peacefully when suddenly, gunmen appeared and started shooting," Mallai said during a press briefing in Jos.
"The men tried to respond but couldn't defend themselves. Some had to hide, but the women and children, being more vulnerable, were mostly the ones killed; thirteen bodies were found this morning. They didn't burn any houses; they were just shooting. Anyone vulnerable they came across was targeted."
Local Government Response
Hon. Amalau Samuel Amalau, Executive Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Council, described the attack as "brutal and senseless" while confirming the killings. He noted that injured survivors are currently receiving medical care in various hospitals across the region.
According to Amalau, security agencies were alerted during the attack, but the perpetrators had already fled the scene by the time help arrived.
This latest violence adds to the growing concern over security challenges in Plateau State, which has experienced recurring communal conflicts and attacks by armed groups in recent years.
In a separate but related development, a police officer who was kidnapped in neighboring Niger State reportedly escaped from captivity, according to BenriNews sources.
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