Residents caught off guard as attackers strike Kawel overnight, leaving dozens dead, many injured, and a community in mourning

At least 22 people have been confirmed dead after armed gunmen launched a deadly overnight assault on Kawel community in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State, in yet another grim sign of escalating insecurity in the region.

The attackers reportedly stormed the community around midnight, opening fire on unsuspecting residents and triggering chaos as families scrambled for safety. Several others were injured in the onslaught, while survivors are left grappling with the shock and devastation.

In a particularly alarming development, the gunmen are said to have extended the ആക്രമation to a Primary Health Care Centre in the area, where more victims were killed, compounding the scale of the tragedy and deepening fears over the safety of vulnerable civilians.

Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area, Samuel Amalau, confirmed the incident, describing it as a deeply tragic event. He noted that authorities are still working to determine the full extent of casualties and destruction caused by the attack.

The latest bloodshed underscores a troubling pattern of recurring violence in Plateau State, intensifying concerns over deteriorating security and the safety of rural communities.

Security agencies are expected to ramp up investigations and deploy additional measures to restore calm, as residents and stakeholders call for swift and decisive government intervention to prevent further loss of lives.