Tragedy struck in Plateau State on Thursday as gunmen ambushed and opened fire on a vehicle carrying market traders returning from Bokkos, killing at least 14 people in a brutal midday attack.
The victims, mostly women and elderly residents, were returning from a local market when unknown assailants ambushed their vehicle along the Bokkos–Jos road, an area increasingly notorious for violent attacks.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attack occurred around noon, and survivors described hearing heavy gunfire before the vehicle lost control and stopped. Local sources say several others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby clinics for emergency treatment.
“They blocked the road and started shooting without warning,” a local vigilante told reporters. “Some of the bodies were burned along with the vehicle.”
A Pattern of Violence
This massacre is the latest in a series of attacks that have plagued Plateau State, a region in Nigeria’s volatile Middle Belt known for recurring clashes between farming communities and armed herders.
Local security agencies confirmed the incident and say an investigation is underway, though no arrests have yet been made.
“Our officers arrived shortly after the distress call. We are combing the area to apprehend the criminals responsible,” said a Plateau State Police spokesperson.
Communities in Mourning
As news of the ambush spread, grief engulfed the Bokkos community. Many families gathered at local churches and mosques to mourn their loved ones. Traditional rulers and local leaders have called for urgent federal intervention.
“We can’t continue like this. Our people are being hunted and slaughtered after every market day,” said Chief Iliya Dung, a community elder.
National Outcry and Calls for Action
Human rights groups and civil society organizations have condemned the attack, demanding accountability and better protection for rural populations. Nigeria’s federal government has faced mounting criticism for its failure to curb violence across the country.
⚠️ A Growing Crisis
Plateau State has witnessed hundreds of deaths this year alone due to ethnic and sectarian violence, land disputes, and criminal activities. Analysts warn that unless stronger security measures are enforced, the region may spiral into full-blown conflict.