At least eight residents have been killed in a fresh night attack on Mbwelle Village in Kwatas District of Bokkos Local Government Area, in what security sources described as another round of suspected reprisal violence in the area.
The assault, which reportedly occurred around 10:30 p.m. on April 9, left several families in mourning as armed attackers stormed the rural settlement and opened fire before fleeing into surrounding terrain.
The incident was disclosed by security analyst Zagazola Makama on X, who noted that the killings formed part of a renewed pattern of attacks in parts of Plateau State.
Victims of the attack were identified as residents of the community, including men, youths and an elderly person, with local sources confirming that those injured were also evacuated to the Bokkos Cottage Hospital for treatment.
Joint security operatives were said to have responded to distress calls shortly after the attack, but the assailants had reportedly escaped before troops arrived at the scene.
Security sources attributed the delayed response to the difficult terrain and the distance—estimated at about 15 kilometres—between the security base and the affected village.
Following the incident, security forces have launched follow-up operations aimed at tracking down the attackers and preventing further violence in the area.
The latest killings add to growing concerns over recurring attacks in rural communities across Plateau State, where residents have repeatedly called for strengthened security presence to stem the cycle of violence.