At least, eight persons were confirmed dead on Wednesday after two separate attacks carried out by gunmen in Congo and Zarap communities, all in the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
PUNCH Metro learnt that among the victims was a member of the Community Peace Service in Bokkos LGA identified simply as Kenneth Kadish.
It was further gathered that one of the attacks, which occurred around 7 pm near the Congo community’s market, took place shortly after the market had closed for the day.
While six persons died instantly in the Congo community, two other persons died in the neighbouring Zarap community.
The Chairman of the Community Peace Service in Bokkos LGA, Kefas Mallai confirmed the two attacks to PUNCH Metro in Jos on Wednesday.
Mallai said, “Some armed men just came to the Angwa and Zarap communities and attacked the people on Tuesday night around 7 pm. Nobody expected that there would be any attack on the people who are struggling to put behind them the ugly experiences of previous attacks.
“In Angwa Congo, the people were relaxing and enjoying themselves because that Tuesday was their market day when some armed persons appeared and opened fire on those standing. Six persons died instantly while some persons were injured.
“Among the six persons who died was my member, a Peace Ambassador, Kenneth Kadish, who was a member of the Community Peace Service in Bokkos LGA.
“Then, in the Zarap community, some gunmen on motorbikes shot at two persons standing in front of their houses and killed two of them. All the attacks and killings happened on Tuesday night and took the same pattern.”
The chairman who condemned the attacks said the matter had been reported to the security agents.
“We have reported the attacks to the security agents because the place where the attack on Angwa Congo community took place was not far from the security checkpoint. They have come to check the place and I think they have started their investigation to know those who carried out the attack and possibly apprehend them,” the chairman said.
The spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, was not readily available when contacted as his mobile phone indicated that it was switched off.
The latest attacks add to the growing insecurity in Bokkos LGA, where various communities have been repeatedly targeted, leaving residents in a constant state of fear and uncertainty. The community now faces the grim task of mourning their dead and hoping for improved security measures to prevent further attacks on the people.
