At least 15 people have been confirmed dead following fresh attacks by armed assailants in Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas of Plateau State on Thursday night.
The assaults reportedly occurred in Manja community of Chakfem Kingdom in Mangu LGA and Tangur community in Bokkos LGA, where gunmen invaded the areas at different times, firing indiscriminately and forcing their way into residential homes.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the attack on Tangur took place at around 9:00 p.m. while residents were preparing to retire for the night, while the incident in Chakfem unfolded earlier in the day.
Victims in both communities were allegedly shot at close range, and numerous homes were looted.
Local sources reported that seven persons were killed in Manja, Mangu LGA, and eight in Tangur, Bokkos LGA, bringing the total number of confirmed fatalities to 15.
Mr Shohotden Mathias Ibrahim, Director of Culture at the Mwaghavul Development Association and Coordinator of an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp, verified the killings in Mangu. He described the situation as dire, with heightened fear and uncertainty spreading throughout the area.
As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Police Command had yet to release an official statement or confirm the incidents.