BOKKOS, Nigeria (BN24) — A fresh wave of violence swept through Plateau State on Thursday, July 24, leaving at least 14 villagers and a mobile police officer dead in two separate attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area, local officials confirmed.
The more deadly of the twin attacks unfolded around 4:00 p.m. when suspected gunmen ambushed a group of marketgoers returning from Bokkos Market to Mangor Village. Most of the victims were from the Chirang community. According to eyewitness accounts and local authorities, the attackers opened fire without warning, killing 14 and injuring three others.
Kefas Mallai, Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos, confirmed the incident to reporters late Thursday. “Yes, it is true. Fourteen natives were ambushed and killed by suspected terrorists while three others were injured on their way back from Bokkos Market,” Mallai stated. He added that security forces had since arrived in the area to stabilize the situation and prevent further violence.
The attack came just hours after another deadly incident earlier in the day. A mobile police officer stationed at a security checkpoint along Richa Road was shot and killed by unidentified gunmen, marking a separate but related assault on law enforcement within the same local government area.
“Our hearts are bleeding,” Mallai said. “This morning, a MOPOL was killed at his duty post. Then this evening, 14 of our people were also murdered. This is what happened in Bokkos today.”
Reacting to the twin tragedies, the Chairman of Bokkos LGA, Amalau Amalau, described the situation as a full-scale emergency. “I’m driving. We have an emergency in Bokkos following attacks on our people,” he said while transporting victims to Jos University Teaching Hospital. “Let’s talk later, please.”
Sources within Plateau State’s police command confirmed that additional security personnel have been deployed to Bokkos and its surrounding communities in response to the escalating violence. Authorities are yet to announce any arrests or identify those responsible for the attacks.
The dual assaults come amid rising insecurity in Nigeria’s central and northern regions, where rural communities frequently face deadly raids by unidentified armed groups. Residents in Plateau State, in particular, have repeatedly called for more decisive government action to stem the violence and protect vulnerable populations.
As investigations continue, security agencies are urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. The latest bloodshed adds to the mounting toll of lives lost in Plateau’s deepening conflict, underscoring the urgency of restoring peace in the volatile region.
Credit: Punching.com
