Gunmen kill 15, including policeman in Plateau

Gunmen on Thursday, launched a deadly attack which resulted in the death 15 people, including a police officer in Plateau State’s Bokkos Local Government Area.

Sources said the unfortunate assaults occurred at around 4pm as residents, mainly from the Chirang community were returning back to Mangor village after visiting the Bokkos market.

While confirming the development, Kefas Mallai, Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos, said: “Yes, it is true. There was an attack on our people about 4:00 pm this evening.

“Fourteen natives were ambushed and killed by suspected terrorists while three others were injured on their way from Bokkos Market to Mangor Village of Bokkos LG.”

Mallai also noted that security forces had moved into the area in response to the incident to help protect residents.

He added that earlier the same day, a mobile police officer on duty at a checkpoint along Richa Road was shot dead.

“Our hearts are bleeding because early this morning, on 24th July, 2015, a MOPOL was killed at his duty post (checkpoint) along Richa road, Bokkos LGA. This is what happened in Bokkos today,” he said, calling the attacks “very unfortunate.”

Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area, Amalau Amalau, also confirmed the violence and described the situation as urgent.

“I’m driving. We have an emergency in Bokkos following attacks on our people.

“Right now, we are taking the victims to the Jos University Teaching Hospital. Let’s talk later, please,” Amalau said during a brief phone call with our correspondent.

Meanwhile, police authorities in Plateau State are yet to issue an official statement in respect to the development.

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