A woman has been shot dead while two others were injured in a gun attack by unidentified assailants in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred in the evening of Monday, August 26, at around 7:30 p.m., along a route between Wang village and Butura Kampani, a rural area known for its farming communities.
According to local reports, the victims were travelling on a commercial motorcycle operated by Mangut Matthew, who was conveying two female passengers — Blessing Samson, 47, and Charity Benjamin, 37 when the gunmen suddenly opened fire on them.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers ambushed the motorcycle in a bushy section of the road and shot at close range.
“One of the female passengers was shot dead instantly, while the motorcyclist and the second woman suffered serious gunshot injuries,” a resident of Wang village told reporters under condition of anonymity.
The sound of gunshots alerted nearby residents who quickly contacted local security operatives.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Bokkos led a team of officers and vigilantes to the scene shortly after receiving a distress call.
Spokespersons at the Bokkos Divisional Police Headquarters confirmed the incident and said the injured were rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment. They are currently receiving care, and their conditions are said to be stable.
The body of the deceased woman was handed over to her family after they declined an autopsy. She was later buried according to local customs.
Although the identities of the attackers remain unknown, police sources said efforts are underway to track them down using intelligence reports and support from local vigilante groups.
This attack is the latest in a string of violent incidents that have troubled Bokkos and other parts of central Plateau in recent years. The region has witnessed recurring clashes and attacks, often involving land disputes, banditry, and inter-community violence.
Local residents have expressed deep concern about rising insecurity and are calling on both the state and federal governments to do more to protect rural communities from such attacks.
A community youth leader in Butura described the killing as senseless and urged the Plateau State Government and security agencies to deploy more personnel to vulnerable areas.
“It is unfortunate that innocent women who were simply travelling home could be gunned down in such a manner. We need better security in our villages. These attacks are becoming too frequent,” he said.
While police investigations continue, the Plateau State Police Command has urged residents to remain calm but vigilant and report any suspicious movement to the nearest security outpost.
As of the time of this report, the identities and motives of the attackers are still unknown, and no group has claimed responsibility.
Plateau State has been grappling with recurring violence, especially in remote areas, despite various security operations launched in recent years to restore peace. The state government has consistently promised reforms, including better community engagement and increased patrols in high-risk areas. However, locals insist that much more needs to be done.
