ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — An armed group killed at least 20 people in a community located in the north-central region of Nigeria, police said Monday. The attack occurred Sunday in the Kawel community located in the Bokkos area of Plateau State, police spokesman Alfred Alabo said in a statement. Police officers quickly arrived at the scene and exchanged gunfire with the assailants, forcing them to retreat, Alabo said. No arrests were reported. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack in a region that has
experienced a recurring pattern of violence. “The remains of the victims have since been released to their families for burial, as the families declined autopsy,” Alabo said. Plateau State Gov. Caleb Mutfwang instructed the government’s emergency management and humanitarian agencies to provide immediate relief and support to victims and families, spokesperson Joyce Ramnap said in a statement. An insurgency in northeastern Nigeria has killed thousands of people and displaced millions over the years, according to the United Nations. Armed gangs are also active in the
northwest and north-central parts of the country. A nighttime attack in March, killed 20 people in Gari Ya Waye community in Plateau.
Nigeria, Plateau State, Kawel, Bokkos, police gunfire, armed group, 20 killed, Alfred Alabo, Caleb Mutfwang, Joyce Ramnap, humanitarian relief
20 deaths is just awful… where are the authorities even.
So they say the families declined autopsy? Like why would that matter now… seems fishy to me. Also this Plateau thing happens a lot, maybe the gov should stop making statements and actually do something.
Wait I thought Nigeria’s big violence was more northeast only? But they mention north-central and northwest too, so it’s like everywhere. If police exchanged gunfire and “forced them to retreat” why no arrests at all… sounds like they didn’t really catch anyone.
Not claiming responsibility? That’s how it always is tho, like the same people do the same thing and disappear. I keep hearing about March in another community too (20 killed) so I’m just confused how they can’t prevent it. Hopefully the emergency folks actually bring food and not just paperwork.