Violence returned to Plateau State on Thursday night as suspected Fulani bandits attacked Mbwelle Village in Bokkos Local Government Area. Authorities confirmed that eight residents lost their lives in what appears to be a renewed wave of reprisal attacks.
The attackers reportedly stormed the Kwatas District at approximately 10:30 p.m., catching the community off guard. This latest tragedy adds to the growing security concerns within the North Central region of Nigeria.
Security forces respond after assailants flee scene
Joint security forces moved into the community following a distress call, but the attackers had already escaped into the darkness. Counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the incident, highlighting the ongoing volatility in the Lake Chad and Middle Belt regions.
Official reports identified the victims, ranging from 15-year-old Wisdom Lucky to 70-year-old Iliya Mangut. The loss of these eight individuals has left the Mbwelle community in deep mourning and fear.
Difficult terrain blamed for delayed military arrival
Security sources explained that a 15-kilometre distance between the troops’ base and the village hindered a faster response. The difficult terrain also made it challenging for military vehicles to reach the scene before the bandits fled.
Survivors and the injured were eventually evacuated to the Bokkos Cottage Hospital for urgent medical attention. Troops have since launched a specialized operation to track down the killers and prevent further bloodshed in the district.
