The Plateau police command confirmed the killing of 20 persons in an attack on Kawel in Mushere district, Bokkos council area. The command’s spokesman, Alfred Alabo, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Mr Alabo said the attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday when armed men invaded the community.

According to him, the police commissioner, Bassey Ewah, immediately directed the divisional police officer in Bokkos to mobilise operatives to the area following a distress report.

The statement said police operatives, working with the Violent Crime Response Unit and other security agencies, engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat.

The police spokesman said 18 people were confirmed dead at the scene, while three others sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital for treatment.

“Regrettably, two of the injured victims were confirmed dead by a medical doctor, bringing the total number of casualties to 20,” he said.

The police stated that the victims’ remains were released to their families for burial after relatives declined an autopsy.

The statement also said the police commissioner commiserated with the families of the victims and residents of Bokkos LGA over the attack.

It said Ewah assured the public that security agencies would spare no effort in identifying, arresting, and prosecuting those responsible for the attack.

“The CP had directed the deputy commissioner of police in charge of operations and the area commander in Pankshin LGA to relocate to the affected area to coordinate security operations. These are measures put in place to avoid future attacks,” the statement added.

It also mentioned that additional tactical teams and personnel of the Police Mobile Force were deployed to restore calm and commence a manhunt for the perpetrators.

The police urged residents to remain calm, go about their lawful activities, and provide credible information to security agencies to support efforts to maintain peace and security in the state.

(NAN)