Gunmen kill two in fresh Plateau attack
Two persons have been confirmed dead following an attack by unknown gunmen on a farming community in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident, which occurred late Monday night, threw residents of Murish village into panic, as gunmen reportedly stormed the area, shooting sporadically and setting several houses ablaze.
Attack details
Eyewitnesses said the attackers invaded the community around 9 p.m., targeting local farmers and traders who had just returned from the market.
“They came on motorcycles and opened fire indiscriminately. Two people were killed instantly, and others ran into the bush for safety,” a resident, Mr. Joshua Pam, told reporters on Tuesday.
The victims, identified as Mr. Gyang Luka and Mrs. Nankir Dalyop, were reportedly buried in the early hours of Tuesday amid tight security.
Security response
Confirming the incident, the Spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, DSP Alabo Alfred, said police operatives were immediately deployed to the scene after receiving a distress call.
“Our men have restored normalcy to the area. An investigation has commenced to track down the perpetrators,” Alfred said.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Adesina, had ordered increased patrols across vulnerable communities in Bokkos and neighbouring LGAs to prevent further attacks.
Community leaders react
Reacting to the development, the District Head of Murish, Chief Dalyop Gyang, condemned the repeated assaults on farming communities and appealed for urgent intervention from both the state and federal governments.
“Our people can no longer go to their farms without fear. We want lasting peace and justice. Those behind these killings must be brought to book,” he said.
Background
Bokkos and other parts of Plateau State have witnessed a resurgence of attacks in recent months, often blamed on armed herders and criminal gangs. Despite repeated security deployments, rural communities continue to face threats of violence, displacement, and destruction of farmlands.
Government’s position
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, through his media aide, Gyang Bere, condemned the killings and vowed that his administration would not relent in its efforts to restore peace across the state.
“The government is working with security agencies to ensure that perpetrators of these senseless attacks are apprehended and prosecuted. We cannot continue to lose innocent lives,” Bere said.
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