Armed gunmen stormed Kawel community in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State early Sunday morning. The attack left 20 people dead and several others wounded.
Security forces engaged the attackers around 4:40 a.m. after receiving distress calls from residents. Police said 18 bodies were found at the scene initially.
Two injured victims died later at the hospital, pushing the death toll to 20. Families of the deceased have already collected the bodies for burial.
Alfred Alabo, the state police spokesperson, said Commissioner of Police Bassey Ewah immediately mobilized officers. Personnel from Bokkos Division and the Violent Crime Response Unit were deployed to the community.
In a statement, Alabo noted: "We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and commiserate with the families of the deceased." He added that security agencies would work together to catch those responsible.
The police confirmed that additional tactical teams and Mobile Force personnel have been sent to Kawel and nearby villages. Their mission is to restore calm and hunt down the attackers.
Officers from the Deputy Commissioner of Police's operations unit relocated to the area. An Area Commander also moved to Pankshin to coordinate ground-level security efforts.
Plateau State government condemned the killings as a heinous crime against innocent people. Officials called it a painful reminder of the need for united action against criminals.
Joyce Ramnap, the state information commissioner, released the government's statement on the incident. She stressed that the perpetrators must face arrest without further delay.
Government said victims and their families deserve immediate relief and support. Officials promised continued commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
Both the police and government urged calm among residents of affected communities. They warned against reprisal attacks that could worsen the situation.
Authorities appealed to residents to share useful information with security agencies. Such tips, officials said, would help investigations and restore peace to the area.
Sources within the security forces confirmed that the manhunt for the attackers is ongoing. No arrests have been made so far regarding the incident.
Kawel residents remain traumatized following the early-morning violence. Many have questioned how armed groups continue to strike despite security presence in the region.
