At least five individuals were killed in the latest wave of violent attacks on rural communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. The attack, which occurred on Monday, October 14, has added to the rising death toll in the region.
In a statement issued by Barr. Farmasum Fuddang, Chairman of the Bokkos Cultural Development Council, and Amb. Duwam Bosco, the Council’s Secretary, the community confirmed the tragic loss of five members. “This tragic incident comes on the heels of a week marked by bloody attacks, during which we buried over ten members of our community,” the statement read.
The Bokkos communities have been reeling from a series of brutal attacks in recent months. According to the statement, five individuals were killed earlier on October 7 in Wumat, four on October 10 in Kuba, one on October 11 in Maikatako, and another on October 12.
The group expressed frustration over the escalating violence, highlighting a string of previous incidents. These include the deaths of six people in Daffo on September 3, two in Tarangol on the same day, five in Mbar on September 16, and two more in Kop Mandarken on September 27.
Despite warnings from a media outlet on October 12 about impending attacks, gunmen launched a fresh assault on Rafut village in the Kwatas district shortly after 7 p.m. on October 14. “Four young men, who were out guarding their family’s home, were tragically ambushed as they stood watch. The attackers thereafter stormed the compound, killing an elderly man, bringing the total fatalities to five,” the statement confirmed.
The statement also drew attention to an incident a day earlier, where a young man was attacked while riding his motorcycle near Maikatako, underscoring the deteriorating security situation in the area.
The Council acknowledged the military’s swift response, which led to the rescue of Yelwa Sunday Mashat, who is recovering from injuries sustained during the attack. They also commended the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of large cattle herds that the attackers had used to block roads.
However, the community expressed deep regret that the attack on Rafut occurred despite advance warnings. “This situation underscores our urgent calls for the establishment of a civilian joint task force. The absence of such a group has deterred community members from participating in neighbourhood watch initiatives, particularly given past instances where individuals defending their communities were arrested or shot by military personnel,” the Council stated.
With rising insecurity and multiple attacks on vulnerable communities, the Council reiterated its plea for more robust security measures to protect the lives and properties of its members.
