Plateau massacre: Death toll hits 20 as police launch manhunt

No fewer than 20 persons have been confirmed dead following an early-morning attack by armed hoodlums on the Kawel community in the Mushere District of the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, prompting a massive security deployment and a statewide condemnation by the government.

The attack, which occurred at about 4:40 a.m. on Sunday, saw security operatives engage the assailants in a gun battle after receiving distress calls.

In a statement by Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), the Plateau State Command said Bassey Ewah, the Commissioner of Police, immediately ordered the mobilisation of personnel from the Bokkos Division, the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit, and other security agencies to repel the attackers.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and commiserate with the families of the deceased and the peace-loving people of Bokkos. The Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, will deploy every available resource to ensure the perpetrators are identified, arrested, and brought to justice,” the statement said.

The police said 18 persons were initially confirmed dead at the scene, while three injured victims were rushed to the hospital for treatment. However, two of the injured later died, raising the death toll to 20.

The remains of the victims have since been released to their families for burial after relatives declined autopsies.

“As part of measures to prevent further violence, the Commissioner of Police ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations and the Area Commander in Pankshin to relocate to the affected community and coordinate on-ground security operations.

“Additional tactical teams and personnel of the Police Mobile Force have also been deployed to Kawel and surrounding communities to de-escalate tension, restore public confidence and launch an intensive manhunt for those responsible for the attack.

Plateau government direct security agencies to intensify security in the area.

Also condemning the attack, the Plateau State government said the killings were a heinous act against innocent citizens and directed security agencies to intensify operations in the area.

The state government, in a statement signed by Joyce Ramnap, the commissioner of information, described the incident as another painful reminder of the urgent need for collective action against criminal elements seeking to undermine peace and stability across Plateau State.

“The perpetrators must be apprehended without delay, while victims and affected families should receive immediate relief and support from relevant government agencies,” the government stated.

The government assured residents of Kawel, Mushere Chiefdom and other parts of the state of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that enemies of peace would not be allowed to derail ongoing efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and sustainable development.

Both the police and the state government urged residents to remain calm, avoid reprisals and continue to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to aid ongoing investigations and efforts to restore peace in the affected community.

Nathaniel Gbaoron

Nathaniel E. Gbaoron is the Plateau State correspondent for BusinessDay and a seasoned journalist with a decade of experience covering sub-national affairs across Taraba, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, and other states. He holds both National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mass Communication from Fidel Polytechnic, Gboko. Over the years, he has participated in numerous media trainings and workshops spanning various areas of reporting, strengthening his expertise in economic and political reporting, community-level governance, development stories, and conflict-sensitive journalism. He is a member of Correspondent Chapel in Plateau state, a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), he is also a Rotarian and a member of Plateau Club 1921.