By Debby Lanta, Jos
Grief and fear have once again descended on communities in Plateau State following a deadly overnight attack by suspected terrorists in Kawel and Kopkon communities of Mushere District, Bokkos Local Government Area, where at least 22 people, including a security operative, were reportedly killed.
Residents said the attackers stormed the communities around 11:40 p.m. on Sunday, shooting indiscriminately and leaving behind a trail of death, destruction, and panic.
Survivors described the assault as sudden and terrifying, with heavily armed gunmen taking advantage of the darkness to unleash violence before fleeing the area.
A community leader who spoke with journalists said the casualty figure continues to rise as search efforts are ongoing and several residents remain unaccounted for.
“Gunmen attacked the community and shot over 22 people. Twenty-two have been confirmed dead so far,” the source said.
Christopher Luka, a youth leader in Bokkos, said he received reports of the attack shortly after midnight.
“A youth leader called me around 12 a.m. to report that gunmen had invaded the community and killed many people. I immediately contacted security agencies, and they confirmed they had received distress calls and were moving to the area,” Luka said.
He described the attack as unprovoked and appealed to security agencies to strengthen protection for vulnerable communities across the local government area.
Military sources disclosed that troops under Operation Enduring Peace responded to distress calls and arrived at the affected communities shortly after the attackers had fled.
According to security reports, troops recovered several bodies from both Kawel and Kopkon villages, while a manhunt has been launched to track down the perpetrators.
The latest killings add to a disturbing wave of violence that has continued to plague Plateau State in recent months.
Just days ago, the District Head of Gwande, Chief Samuel Alaket, was ambushed and killed while returning from a traditional council meeting. Earlier this month, several residents were killed in separate attacks across Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and other communities.
The recurring attacks have left many residents living in fear and have renewed calls for stronger security measures to halt the bloodshed.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang recently announced additional security measures, including restrictions on night grazing and mining activities in vulnerable areas, while President Bola Tinubu ordered increased security around strategic institutions following a separate attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.
As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the latest attack.
Growing Social Concern in Jos
Meanwhile, beyond the security challenges facing Plateau State, another troubling issue is quietly unfolding in the heart of Jos metropolis.
At the popular Old Airport Junction stands a modest building known as Nana House. During the day, the premises appear like any other commercial complex, housing shops, offices, and small businesses.
However, residents say the atmosphere changes dramatically after nightfall.
The area behind the building reportedly transforms into a gathering point for commercial sex workers, including underage girls struggling with poverty and economic hardship.
Observers describe the situation as a growing social crisis, with some of the girls believed to be teenagers seeking means of survival amid worsening economic conditions.
The presence of young girls in such activities has raised concerns among community leaders, child rights advocates, and residents, who are calling for urgent intervention from government agencies, social welfare organizations, and security authorities.
Many believe that while tackling insecurity remains critical, addressing poverty, unemployment, and the vulnerability of young people is equally important in preventing more youths from being drawn into dangerous and exploitative environments.
For many residents of Plateau State, the twin challenges of violent attacks and growing social hardship continue to cast a shadow over daily life, underscoring the need for both security and social interventions to restore hope and stability.
