Date: June 22, 2026 l By Kimberly White
PLATEAU STATE, Nigeria — At least More than 18 people have been killed following a fresh Islamic armed attack on Christian rural communities in Plateau State, Nigeria prompting security forces to launch a large-scale manhunt for those responsible as concerns grow over recurring violence in the region.
According to reports, the attack occurred in Kawel and Kopkon communities located in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area during the early hours of Saturday. Armed assailants reportedly entered the villages and opened fire, causing residents to flee as panic spread through the communities.
Security sources cited in local reporting said troops attached to Sector 5 under Operation Enduring Peace responded after receiving distress alerts at approximately 1:20 a.m. However, by the time security personnel arrived at the affected locations, the attackers had reportedly fled.
Military personnel later confirmed the scale of the casualties. According to the report, responders discovered 12 bodies in Kawel village and six in Kopkon village, bringing the total confirmed death toll to 18. Authorities have not publicly released identities of those killed.
Following the incident, troops launched offensive operations across surrounding areas aimed at locating and apprehending the attackers. Security officials indicated that patrols and wider deployment activities have intensified as part of efforts to prevent additional attacks and restore confidence among local communities.
The latest killings add to ongoing security concerns in Plateau State, particularly in Bokkos and surrounding areas where repeated attacks, displacement and community tensions have persisted despite continued security operations. Rural communities in the region have faced recurring violence that has disrupted livelihoods and forced many residents into uncertainty.
At the time of reporting, no official public statement had confirmed arrests connected to the attack, while efforts to obtain additional comment from local police authorities had reportedly not received a response.
The incident is expected to renew calls for stronger security coordination and greater protection for vulnerable communities across Plateau State as residents await further updates from ongoing military operations.