Gunmen killed at least 22 people, including health workers and patients, in a coordinated attack on Kawel village in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday night, June 21, 2026, in one of the deadliest single attacks on a rural community in the state this year.
Residents said the attackers stormed the community at approximately 11:40 p.m., opening fire indiscriminately on sleeping residents. A Red Cross emergency responder confirmed that the assailants also targeted the community’s Primary Health Care Centre, killing health workers on duty and patients receiving treatment. Gunshot wounds and machete injuries were recorded among survivors evacuated to nearby medical facilities.
Death Toll Rises Through Monday
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The death toll climbed progressively through Monday as community leaders and emergency teams conducted fresh assessments. Bokkos Youth Leader Christopher Luka confirmed 22 deaths, including women, following a hospital visit. He said burial arrangements were delayed by heavy rainfall that fell since the morning following the attack. The Plateau State Government condemned the incident in a statement signed by Information Commissioner Joyce Lohya Ramnap, describing it as a heinous and senseless act of violence.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang directed security agencies to intensify operations, apprehend perpetrators, and bring them to justice. He also directed humanitarian agencies to provide immediate relief and support to victims and affected families. Police Commissioner CP Bassey Ewah deployed additional tactical teams and Police Mobile Force personnel to the area and launched an intensive manhunt for the attackers, who had escaped before security forces arrived.
Violence Follows Earlier Bokkos Killings
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The attack occurred less than a week after gunmen killed the District Head of Gwande, Saf Samuel Alaket, along the Sha District axis in the same local government area. Residents alleged the latest attackers were suspected Fulani militants, though police did not confirm the identity of the assailants in their initial statement. Furthermore, security sources confirmed troop deployments to surrounding forest areas as the manhunt widened. Consequently, Bokkos LGA has now suffered some of the heaviest community violence of any local government area in Nigeria in the first half of 2026.
