No fewer than eight people have been killed following a late-night attack on Mbwelle village in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

New Telegraph gathered that the incident, which occurred around 11 p.m. on Thursday, reportedly lasted for nearly an hour, as gunmen opened fire on residents.

Eyewitnesses, who are privy to the development, revealed that many of the victims were from the same family, describing the assault as a coordinated attack.

The sources added that at least three individuals sustained injuries, while several others remain unaccounted for.

Those confirmed dead have been identified as Elder Iliya Mangut Dakus, Mr. Luck Titus Dakus, Mr. Habila Istifanu Dakus, Mr. Hassan Istifanus Dakus, Mrs. Hassan Moses Dakus, Biggie Lucky Dakus, Sunday Gideon Dakus, and Mr. Innocent Barnabas Makwin.

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The Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, Kefas Mallai, confirmed the incident, noting that the development has heightened fear and tension among residents.

“The community is very close to Bokkos town,” he said.

He further alleged that security operatives were absent during the attack, stating, “The attack lasted for several hours with no visible security presence to repel the attackers.”

Mallai added that the perceived inaction of security agencies has angered residents, who are now considering staging protests.

He also claimed that security personnel appear to be concentrated in another nearby community, which locals suspect may be linked to the attackers.

Also speaking, the Youth Leader of Bokkos, Christopher Luka, described the incident as deeply troubling.

“The gunmen came around 11pm and started shooting sporadically,” he said.

“They targeted one family mostly. We have eight confirmed dead, some seriously injured, and others still unaccounted for.”

Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, DSP Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.