Death toll rises to 20 in Plateau attack as gunmen target community clinic

The death toll from Sunday’s attack on Kawel community in Mushere District, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, has risen to 20, with reports indicating that health workers and patients were among those killed.

 

The Plateau State Police Command confirmed the casualty figure in a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, SP Alfred Alabo, saying the attack occurred at about 4:40 a.m. on Sunday when armed assailants invaded the community.

 

According to the police, officers, alongside other security agencies, responded to the distress call and engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to flee.

 

Police said 18 people died at the scene, while three injured victims were taken to hospital, where two later died, bringing the total number of fatalities to 20.

 

Commissioner of Police Bassey Ewah has ordered the deployment of additional tactical teams and Police Mobile Force personnel to the area and directed an intensive manhunt for the attackers.

 

Meanwhile, local residents and community leaders claimed the death toll had risen to 22, alleging that the attackers also stormed the community’s primary healthcare centre, killing health workers and patients receiving treatment.

 

A Red Cross official involved in the emergency response said the gunmen opened fire inside the health facility, while survivors have been evacuated for medical care.

 

The Bokkos Youth Leader, Christopher Luka, and the Chairman of the Community Peace Observers, Kefas Mallai, also said about 22 people were killed, adding that the community remains tense as security forces continue to search nearby forests for the perpetrators.