Bandits have killed three people, including a pastor, and displaced hundreds of residents in a fresh assault on Suwa and Ding’ak villages in Mushere Chiefdom, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attack, which occurred between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Friday, claimed the lives of Pastor Gideon Katings of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Suwa, Sunday Ringkang, and Meshach Bukata. Several others, including Michael Kamshak, sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at the Cottage Hospital in Bokkos.
Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos, Kefas Mallai, confirmed the incident, stating that hundreds of residents fled their homes in fear. Attempts by reporters to reach the Plateau State Police Command for confirmation were unsuccessful, as calls to the Public Relations Officer, Alabo Alfred, went unanswered.
Friday’s killings are the latest in a wave of violence that has plagued Bokkos and other parts of Plateau in recent months. Over the past month, more than 20 villagers have been murdered in separate attacks, with homes burned and farmlands destroyed. In June, at least 19 people, including women and children, were killed when gunmen struck communities in Bokkos and Mangu LGAs.
Local leaders, including Bokkos LGA Chairman Amalau Samuel Amalau, have repeatedly urged security agencies to take decisive action against armed militias. Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has described the repeated attacks as “genocide” and vowed to work with security forces to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, the worsening insecurity has left many villages deserted, with displaced residents seeking refuge in neighbouring communities and makeshift camps.
