Tragedy struck the Chirang community in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State on Thursday, July 24, as gunmen launched two deadly attacks that claimed the lives of 14 villagers and a mobile police officer.

The first attack happened around 4:00 p.m. as villagers were returning home from the popular Bokkos market to Mangor village.

 According to Kefas Mallai, chairman of the Community Peace Observers in the area, the victims were ambushed by suspected terrorists along the route and killed on the spot. Three others were injured in the brutal assault.

Earlier that same day, a mobile police officer was shot and killed while on duty at a checkpoint along Richa Road, also in Bokkos LGA. Mallai described the incidents as “very unfortunate,” adding that the back-to-back attacks have left the community in mourning.

“Our hearts are bleeding,” he said, emphasizing the urgent need for better protection of lives in the area.

Chairman of Bokkos LGA, Amalau Amalau, also confirmed the attacks, calling the situation an emergency that demands immediate attention from security agencies and the government.

Security personnel have since been deployed to the area to restore calm and prevent further violence. However, efforts to reach the spokesman of the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, were unsuccessful, as his phone line was switched off.

The repeated attacks in Bokkos have heightened fears among residents, with many calling for stronger security presence and swift justice for the victims.