At least five persons have been killed by gunmen in fresh attacks on some rural communities of Bokkos local government area of Plateau State.
A statement by the Chairman of Bokkos Cultural Development Council, Barr. Farmasum Fuddang and the Secretary, Amb. Duwam Bosco confirmed the killing of five of their members following an attack on Monday, October 14.
“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 said.
They explained that five persons were earlier killed at Wumat on October 7, four in Kuba on October 10, one person in Maikatako on October 11, and another on October 12.
The group also lamented that the communities have endured numerous assaults in previous months, including six fatalities in Daffo on September 3, two in Tarangol on the same day, five in Mbar on September 16 and two in Kop Mandarken on September 27.
They added that despite warning by a media outlet on October 12, terrorists launched a brutal attack on the village of Rafut in the Kwatas district shortly after 7 pm 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 said.
According to the Council, just a day earlier, another young man was attacked while riding his motorcycle near Maikatako, further highlighting the escalating violence in the region.
“We commended the swift action taken by the military, which resulted in the rescue of Yelwa Sunday Mashat, who is currently recovering from severe injuries sustained during the attack.
“We also acknowledge the apprehension of several suspects and large cattle herds they drove into the road to block the victim,” the statement added.
The statement further 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 community stated in the statement.
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