Opeyemi Olamilekan

PLATEAU, Nigeria – No fewer than eight persons were killed following two separate attacks by gunmen in the Congo and Zarap communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Among the victims was a member of the Community Peace Service in Bokkos identified as Kenneth Kadish.

Kefas Mallai, Chairman of the Community Peace Service in Bokkos LGA, confirmed the two separate attacks in Jos on Wednesday.

It was gathered that one of the attacks occurred on Tuesday, around 7 p.m. , near the Congo community’s market, shortly after it had closed for the day, six persons were reportedly killed.

Two other persons were killed in the neighbouring Zarap community.

“On Tuesday night around 7 pm, armed men attacked the Angwa and Zarap communities. It was unexpected, especially as the residents were trying to move past the trauma of previous incidents, said Mallai. “In Angwa Congo, residents were relaxing and enjoying themselves after the market day when armed assailants suddenly appeared and opened fire on those nearby. Six people were killed on the spot, and several others were injured. Among the victims was Kenneth Kadish, a member of the Community Peace Service in Bokkos LGA.

“In the Zarap community, gunmen on motorbikes shot and killed two individuals standing in front of their homes. Both attacks followed a similar pattern and occurred on Tuesday night.”

The chairman condemned the attacks and confirmed that the incidents had been reported to security agencies.

“We informed the authorities, as the attack on the Angwa Congo community took place close to a security checkpoint. They have inspected the site and begun investigating to identify and apprehend the perpetrators,” Mallai added.

Plateau State Police Command’s spokesman Alabo Alfred told investigative news outlet, Sahara Reporters that its report about the attacks would soon be out.

– Insecurity and violence in Nigeria –

For more than a decade, civilians in Nigeria have faced multiple security threats and risk of atrocities as result of attacks, kidnappings and extortion by various non-state armed groups.

Since the start of 2024 civilians have faced intensified violence across Nigeria, and near-daily attacks by armed groups resulting in kidnappings and other abuses against civilians.

Armed groups and gangs, including so-called “bandits,” have – for many years – perpetrated widespread atrocities, including murder, rape, kidnapping, organized cattle-rustling and plunder. Armed herdsmen are also destroying vast swaths of farmland, prompting many farmers to abandon their land out of fear of attack.

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