Just In: Gunmen Kill 18 People in Fresh Plateau Attacks
At least 18 persons have been killed by gunmen in separate attacks on Kawel and Kopkon communities in the Mushere district of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, that troops of Sector 5 under Operation Enduring Peace responded to the coordinated attacks at about 1:20 a.m. on June 20.
According to the sources, the assailants invaded Kawel and Kopkon villages, shooting sporadically before fleeing the scene ahead of the arrival of security operatives.
Upon arrival, troops reportedly recovered 12 bodies in Kawel village and six in Kopkon village, bringing the death toll to 18.
The sources added that the military immediately launched follow-up operations in the area to track and apprehend the fleeing attackers.
Operation Enduring Peace has since intensified patrols and security deployments across parts of Plateau State in response to recurring attacks on rural communities.
The latest incident adds to a series of violent attacks in the state in recent months.
In May, 12 people were killed in separate attacks in Riyom and Bassa Local Government Areas, while in March, gunmen killed 27 residents in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North.
The renewed wave of violence has heightened concerns over insecurity and reprisal attacks across Plateau communities.