Plateau State map An illustrative photo of the map of Plateau State
Gunmen strike twice in a day in Bokkos LGA, ambushing marketgoers and gunning down a police officer at a checkpoint
Gunmen launched deadly attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State on Thursday, killing at least 14 villagers and a mobile police officer in two separate incidents that have sparked renewed calls for the creation of state police.
The most devastating of the attacks occurred around 4:00 p.m. when armed assailants ambushed villagers returning from the Bokkos market to Mangor village. The victims, mostly natives of the Chirang community, were attacked along the route, resulting in 14 deaths and three injuries. Kefas Mallai, Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos, confirmed the incident.
"Fourteen natives were ambushed and killed by suspected terrorists, while three others sustained injuries. This happened around 4:00 p.m. as they were returning from the market," Mallai said. He added that security personnel have since taken over the area to restore calm and prevent further attacks.
Earlier that same day, a mobile police officer on duty at a checkpoint along Richa Road in Bokkos was shot and killed in a separate attack. “Our hearts are bleeding,” Mallai lamented. “This morning, a MOPOL officer was killed at his duty post. It’s a dark day for Bokkos.”
Chairman of the Bokkos Local Government Area, Amalau Amalau, described the situation as an emergency while speaking with reporters. “I’m currently transporting victims to the Jos University Teaching Hospital. We are facing a serious crisis,” he said.
Efforts to reach the Plateau State Police Command spokesman, Alabo Alfred, were unsuccessful as his phone was switched off. However, sources at the command revealed that additional security forces had been deployed to stabilize the area.
The back-to-back attacks have reignited public frustration over the country’s security architecture. Many residents and observers are calling on the Federal Government to expedite the creation of state police as a lasting solution to the frequent violence.
Choji Bulus, a resident of Barkin Ladi, voiced his concern: “Enough is enough. State governments have been calling for the establishment of state police. The Federal Government and National Assembly must act now before more lives are lost.”
The latest attacks in Bokkos highlight the ongoing security challenges in Plateau State and the growing urgency for structural reforms in Nigeria’s policing system.
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