Fresh attacks in Plateau State on Thursday night have left at least 19 people dead across two local government areas. The coordinated strikes occurred in Bokkos and Mangu, affecting communities already facing insecurity for months.

In Bokkos Local Government Area, the attack happened in Jwan, a village under the Tangur district.

According to eyewitness accounts, heavily armed men arrived at about 8pm and began firing into homes without warning. Many of the victims were women and children who could not escape the onslaught.

Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos, Kefas Mallai, confirmed that 13 people were killed in the attack.

“There was an attack on Thursday night in a village called Jwan in Tangur district,” he said. “Right now, 13 persons have been confirmed dead, mostly women and children.”

Local Leaders Confirm Attacks as Residents Flee in Fear

Mallai described how the attackers stormed the village and caught residents off guard. “The people were just in their homes when they saw some persons carrying guns. Suddenly, they started shooting,” he said.

Men in the community tried to resist but were outgunned. While some ran to hide, the attackers kept firing, hitting many women and children.

Before security operatives could arrive, the gunmen had disappeared. The village, according to Mallai, is still in mourning. Local officials say those injured in the violence are receiving medical attention in nearby hospitals.

Chairman of Bokkos LGA, Amalau Amalau, also confirmed the killings.

“Yes, it’s true. They came and attacked our people last night,” he said. “They killed several people, and others are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals. We took some victims to JUTH and others to the cottage hospital in Bokkos.”

In the nearby Mangu Local Government Area, another attack took place the same night in Chakfem community. Reports say six residents were killed when gunmen opened fire shortly after 8pm. The attackers reportedly fled before security personnel reached the scene.

Panam Madugu, Vice Chairman of the Mwaghavul Youths Development Association, spoke about the incident.

“The attack took place in Chakfem village last night. The herders just attacked the community and killed six persons,” he said. “They came around 8pm, and after killing the people, they left the community.”

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