Plateau massacre: Death toll rises above 30 as residents count losses
Death Toll in Plateau State Attack Rises to 30
The death toll from a Sunday night assault on Kawel village in the Mushere Chiefdom of Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State, has increased to 30. This rise follows reports that some of the injured victims succumbed to their wounds while receiving medical treatment.
Community leaders have indicated that among the deceased are health workers and security personnel who were present during the attack. Residents reported that the assault was carried out by suspected Fulani militias, who invaded the village in large numbers as residents were settling in for the night.
Christopher Luka, a youth leader in Bokkos LGA, confirmed the escalating death toll in comments to reporters earlier today. “I visited the hospital and witnessed the situation firsthand. So far, 22 deaths have been recorded, including those of women. The victims have not been buried due to ongoing rainfall,” Luka stated.
He further noted that the casualties included both health workers and patients receiving care at the local hospital during the attack.
Kefas Mallai, chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, also verified the rising death toll, stating that by Monday afternoon, at least 25 individuals had been confirmed dead. Mallai expressed concern that the impact of the attack could have been mitigated if security forces had responded more swiftly. He criticized the security agencies for their delayed reaction, despite prior intelligence suggesting an impending threat, and alleged that the attackers had fled to nearby communities.
“The criminals escaped unapprehended, while security personnel are now searching the bushes in hopes of capturing any of the perpetrators,” Mallai remarked.
The Plateau State Police Command has launched an investigation into the incident and is conducting a manhunt for the assailants. In a statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer SP Alfred Alabo, the department expressed its sorrow over the attack, which occurred around 4:40 a.m. Sunday.
“Upon receipt of the information, the Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer for Bokkos to mobilize personnel to the scene,” the statement read. “The team, in collaboration with the Violent Crime Response Unit and other security agencies, engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat.”
Initially, authorities confirmed 18 fatalities at the scene, with three additional victims later transported to the hospital. Tragically, two of these injured individuals also succumbed to their injuries, raising the total casualty count to 20. The remains of those deceased have been returned to their families for burial, as the families declined an autopsy.
