By Charles Chijioke
Afrilensnews reports that no fewer than 18 persons were killed after gunmen launched coordinated attacks on Kawel and Kopkon communities in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to security sources cited by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, troops of Sector 5 under Operation Enduring Peace responded to distress calls following the attacks, which occurred around 1:20 a.m. on June 20.
The sources disclosed that the attackers stormed the two villages and opened fire on residents before fleeing ahead of the arrival of security operatives.
Upon reaching the affected communities, troops reportedly discovered 12 corpses in Kawel village and six others in Kopkon village, bringing the death toll to 18.
Security personnel have since launched offensive operations across the area in a bid to track down and apprehend the assailants. Military authorities are also said to have intensified patrols and security deployments across vulnerable communities in Plateau State following repeated incidents of violence.
The latest killings add to a growing wave of insecurity in the state. In May, 12 people were reportedly killed in separate attacks on communities in Riyom and Bassa Local Government Areas, while in March, gunmen killed 27 residents in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North.
The recurring attacks continue to raise concerns over the security situation in Plateau, particularly in rural communities that have witnessed cycles of violence, reprisals and displacement in recent months.
The fresh bloodshed may further heighten fears among residents, increase pressure on security agencies to deliver results, and renew calls for stronger measures to protect vulnerable communities across the state.
Source: TheCable/Zagazola Makama.
