At least eight residents have been killed following a late-night attack on Mbwelle Village in Kwatas District of Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State, in what security sources described as a suspected reprisal assault by armed bandits.
The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on April 9, sparking renewed concerns over violence in the area.
Details of the attack were shared on X by counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama, who reports on security developments in the Lake Chad region.
The victims were identified as Habila Istifanus, 38, Hassan Istifanus, 31, Iliya Mangut, 70, Sunday Gideon, 31, Innocent Banabas, 20, Lucky Titus, 38, Wisdom Lucky, 15, and Bwehsun Hassan, 25.
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Security sources said troops responded to a distress call but arrived after the attackers had fled the community.
A source explained that the delay was caused by the distance between the nearest military base and the village, estimated at about 15 kilometres, as well as the difficult terrain.
All casualties, including those injured, were taken to Bokkos Cottage Hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, security forces have launched a manhunt to track down those responsible for the attack.