Residents of Bokkos Local Local Government Area of Plateau state have been thrown into a state of panic as unknown gunmen kill five in the community, News About Nigeria reports.
The Chairman of Bokkos Cultural Development Council, Farmasum Fuddang, confirmed the killings on Tuesday in a statement jointly signed with the association’s secretary, Duwam Bosco.
He noted that the attack happened on Monday, the 14th of October, and lamented that the community has become a victim of violence in recent months.
In the statement titled “Another Tragic Attack Claims Five Lives in Bokkos Despite Advance Warnings,” Fuddang stated that barely a week ago, 10 persons were buried in the community as a result of an attack.
He expressed regrets in the fact that the attack on Rafut occurred despite advance warnings clearly identifying these areas as at risk.
Fuddang added that it occurred mere hours after residents of Rafut reached out to police authorities reporting suspicious activity by Fulani groups in the area.
The statement reads, “With deep sadness, we wish to report that our communities have once again fallen victim to violence, with five of our members confirmed dead following an attack yesterday October 14. This tragic incident comes on the heels of a week marked by bloody attacks, during which we buried over ten members of our community: five in Wumat on October 7, four in Kuba on October 10, one in Maikatako on October 11, and another on October 12.
“Additionally, we have endured numerous assaults in the previous month, including six fatalities in Daffo on September 3, two in Tarangol on the same day, five in Mbar on September 16, and two in Kop Mandarken on September 27. Despite credible warnings by a reputable media outlet on October 12, terrorists, identified by witnesses as members of the Fulani tribe, launched a brutal attack on the village of Rafut in the Kwatas district shortly after 7 PM on October 14. This unprovoked assault occurred even after a security meeting with police and military authorities in Bokkos on October 13. Four young men, who were out guarding their family’s home, were tragically ambushed as they stood watch.
“The attackers thereafter stormed the compound, killing an elderly man, bringing the total fatalities to five. Just a day prior, another young man was attacked while riding his motorcycle near Maikatako, further highlighting the escalating violence in our region. We commend the swift action taken by the military, which resulted in the rescue of Yelwa Sunday Mashat, who is currently recovering from severe injuries sustained during the attack. We also acknowledge the apprehension of several suspects and large cattle herds they drove into the road to block the victim.
“However, it is with deep regret that we observe the attack on Rafut occurred despite advance warnings clearly identifying these areas as at risk. More worrisome is the fact that it occurred mere hours after residents of Rafut reached out to police authorities reporting suspicious activity by Fulani groups in the area. Similar intelligence was shared shortly after the Wumat attack on October 7, including names of identified suspects, who still roam free.”
He called for the urgent establishment of a civilian task force to address future occurrences.
“This situation underscores our urgent calls for the establishment of a civilian joint task force. The absence of such a group has deterred community members from participating in neighbourhood watch initiatives, particularly given past instances where individuals defending their communities were arrested or shot by military personnel.
“A joint task force would facilitate better intelligence sharing, eliminate misunderstandings, and significantly reduce response times during future invasions. While we recognize the military’s vital role in safeguarding lives and property, we understand the manpower and logistical challenges faced by troops. Therefore, we reiterate our request for assistance, as local residents possess invaluable knowledge of the terrain and can better support military efforts.”
