By Joe Udo
Jos (Converseer) – At least eight family members of a Christian denomination have been killed after suspected Fulani Militia invaded Mbwelle village in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State on Thursday night, in yet another deadly assault that has deepened fears over the worsening security crisis in the region.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers stormed the village around 9:30 pm, opened fire indiscriminately on residents, and reportedly targeted members of the same family. Three others sustained injuries, while several persons were still said to be missing as of Friday morning.
The suspected Militia numbered around 14 to 15, and shouted “Allahu Akbar” as they attacked the community.
Masara Kim, whose family members, including his pregnant wife, were killed, said he was sleeping at night when he heard the gunshot.
“This is my father, this is my brother, this is my brother, this is my brother, this is my son, this is my brother and this is my wife, a corpse of eight people,” Kim counted in grief, adding, “one sustained injury and she’s in the hospital.”
“Around 9:30 pm, I was lying on the bed. So, I heard a gunshot, and it was rapid. So, I now stood her (his wife) up – she told me that I fear too much. As I sneaked out to check, they entered and shot her.
“They were about 14-15 and they speak Fulani. They shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’.””
“This is my brother, yesterday, our pastor called him, so after he came back from church at that period, and knocked, and as he opened the door, that’s how they also killed him.
“They hit his son, and a bullet brushes his wife on her stomach and she was taken to the hospital.
“They (attackers) were in black uniforms, and most of them were not up to 18, 19 years. I feel so sad as if I should die with them because the world is so bitter for my life,” Kim narrated.
The Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos, Kefas Mallai, confirmed the killings, lamenting that the attack lasted for hours without any visible security response despite the village’s closeness to Bokkos town.
A youth leader in the area also described the incident as a devastating assault on the people of Plateau.
The latest bloodshed comes amid rising tension in Plateau communities, with fresh ambushes and killings recently reported in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Jos South LGAs, raising renewed concerns over the safety of rural residents, farmers, miners, Christians and travellers.
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