Eight Killed as Gunmen Attack Plateau Communities

Tragedy struck in Plateau State on Tuesday night when gunmen launched two separate attacks on Congo and Zarap communities in Bokkos Local Government Area, leaving at least eight people dead. Among the victims was Kenneth Kadish, a member of the Community Peace Service in Bokkos LGA.

The first attack occurred around 7 p.m. near the Congo community’s market, shortly after the market had closed for the day. Armed men stormed the area and opened fire on residents, killing six people on the spot. The victims were reportedly relaxing after a long day at the market, unaware of the impending danger.

Kefas Mallai, the Chairman of the Community Peace Service in Bokkos LGA, confirmed the tragic events in a conversation with PUNCH Metro on Wednesday. “Some armed men just came to the Angwa and Zarap communities and attacked the people on Tuesday night around 7 p.m. Nobody expected that there would be any attack on the people who are struggling to put behind them the ugly experiences of previous attacks,” Mallai said.

He continued, “In Angwa Congo, the people were relaxing and enjoying themselves because that Tuesday was their market day when some armed persons appeared and opened fire on those standing. Six persons died instantly while some persons were injured. Among the six persons who died was my member, a Peace Ambassador, Kenneth Kadish, who was a member of the Community Peace Service in Bokkos LGA.”

The second attack occurred in the neighboring Zarap community, where gunmen on motorbikes shot and killed two people standing in front of their homes. Both attacks followed a similar pattern and happened on the same night, adding to the growing fear and insecurity in the area.

Mallai expressed his frustration and sorrow over the attacks, noting that they had reported the incidents to the security forces. “We have reported the attacks to the security agents because the place where the attack on Angwa Congo community took place was not far from the security checkpoint. They have come to check the place, and I think they have started their investigation to know those who carried out the attack and possibly apprehend them,” he said.

Despite the presence of a nearby security checkpoint, the gunmen managed to carry out their attacks without immediate intervention. The spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, was not available for comment as his phone was switched off when contacted by *PUNCH Metro*.

These latest attacks add to the ongoing insecurity in Bokkos LGA, where communities have been repeatedly targeted, leaving residents in a state of constant fear. The people of Congo and Zarap now face the grim task of mourning their dead while hoping for stronger security measures to prevent future tragedies.