Ruwi village in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State was thrown into mourning after gunmen attacked a gathering of mourners on Thursday night, killing seven women and three men.
Eyewitnesses and local leaders confirmed that the attack happened around 10 p.m. while villagers were mourning a deceased member of their community. The assailants, suspected to be armed herdsmen, stormed the area, attacking their victims with machetes before fleeing into the night.
The Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, Mr. Kefas Mallai, described the incident as horrifying. Mallai explained, “They had gathered to mourn a loved one who had died naturally. As is our tradition, mourners stay overnight at the deceased’s family house to keep them company. The attackers took advantage of this and struck in the dead of night, slaughtering the mourners. Seven women were killed with machetes, and three men also lost their lives. Two other women sustained injuries.”
Security forces were alerted during the attack but arrived too late to apprehend the perpetrators. “By the time they got there, the killers had already fled,” Mallai added.
Also Read:
- Bandits Kill Security Operatives in Deadly Zamfara Attack
- Kano Woman Sentenced to Death for Kidnapping, Killing Eight-Year-Old Girl
Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, confirmed the killings on Friday and condemned the attack. He assured residents that security agencies were working to track down those responsible. Adesina said, “The police received a report of armed hoodlums invading Ruwi village around 10 p.m. and shooting sporadically. We immediately deployed personnel to the scene, but unfortunately, the attackers had already escaped.”
Adesina urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security forces as investigations continue. He also expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and the entire community.
The attack has raised fresh concerns about security in Plateau State, which has experienced repeated violent clashes in recent years. Community leaders are calling on the government to do more to protect lives and property.
As the villagers prepare to bury their dead, they remain fearful of further attacks. One resident said, “We are living in fear. We need security forces to stay with us to prevent another tragedy.”