Armed men invaded Kawel Community in Mushere District, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State in the early hours of Sunday, killing 20 people in an attack that has drawn condemnation from security authorities.
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed the death toll in a statement on Monday, saying 18 victims were found dead at the scene.
Three others were rushed to the hospital, two of whom later died from their injuries.
Police Public Relations Officer Alfred Alabo said officers, working with the Violent Crime Response Unit and other security agencies, engaged the attackers and forced them to retreat.
The remains of the victims have been released to their families for burial after relatives declined an autopsy, Alabo said.
The Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, has deployed additional mobile force units, tactical teams, and the Area Commander from Pankshin to coordinate operations in the affected area. A manhunt for the perpetrators is now underway.
Ewah commiserated with the families of the victims and residents of Bokkos LGA, assuring the public that security agencies would identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible.
Plateau State has experienced recurring attacks by armed groups in its rural communities, with Bokkos among the areas most frequently targeted.
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