Tragedy struck in the Mbar community of Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State, as unidentified gunmen killed five innocent youths on Sunday night.
The attack has sparked widespread condemnation and concerns about escalating violence in the region.
_Attack Details_
According to Farmasum Fuddang, Chairman of the Bokkos Cultural Development Council Vanguard, the youths were attacked while traveling from Mbar town to Koh village. The gunmen, fleeing on motorcycles, targeted the unarmed youths along a bypass near Yelwa Nono village.
_Condemnation and Concerns_
The Bokkos Cultural Development Council Vanguard condemned the attack, citing prior intelligence reports of suspected terrorists infiltrating the area. The group expressed fears of calculated attempts to displace locals and take over their ancestral lands.
_Call for Community Involvement_
The group urged involvement in handling threats, working synergistically with security forces, similar to civilian joint task forces in the northeast and northwest regions. “We request to be involved in handling the threats in our land… working in synergy with security forces… This is not to undermine or underrate the efforts of the military.”
_Previous Attacks_
The incident follows a series of armed attacks, including the murder of 11 youths in Tarangol, Daffo, and Bargesh villages on September 3rd, 2024.
_Official Response_
The Bokkos Local Government Council, led by Director of Personnel Management Christy Loyi, confirmed the incident and visited affected families, assuring reinforced security measures in the area.
_Community Demands Action_
The Mbar community demands justice and improved security to prevent further attacks and protect their ancestral homes.
