Plateau Attack: Death Toll Rises To 22, Health Workers, Security Personnel Among Victims

The death toll from Sunday night’s attack on Kawel village in Mushere District of Bokkos local government area of Plateau State has risen to 22.

Health workers and security personnel are said to be among those killed in the attack.

The residents said the gunmen invaded the community late Sunday night, shooting sporadically and attacking anybody on sight.

According to an official of  Red Cross who was  involved in emergency response operations in the area, the attackers targeted the community’s primary healthcare centre.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the gunmen stormed the facility and opened fire on the health workers and patients.

He said those confirmed dead included civilians and security personnel, while several others sustained varying degrees of gunshot and machete injuries.

He added that survivors had been evacuated for medical attention and stabilisation.

Providing further updates on the incident, Bokkos Youth Leader, Christopher Luka, who had earlier confirmed 19 deaths, said the casualty figure has  increased following ongoing assessments.

“I visited the hospital and saw the situation myself. So far, 22 deaths have been recorded, including women. “The victims are yet to be buried because of the rainfall experienced since morning.”

“The victims included health workers serving at the hospital and some patients who were receiving treatment,” Luka said.