Gunmen have launched a devastating attack on five communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing at least 10 residents.

The communities affected include Mangor Tamiso, Daffo, Manguna, Hurti, and Tadai.

The attack, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, is the second in the area within a week. Just seven days prior, gunmen attacked Ruwi community, killing 12 mourners gathered at a deceased person’s home.

The total death toll in the area now stands at over 22 residents within a one-week span.

According to Farmasum Fuddang, Chairman of the Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC), the attackers’ intention is to “seize our land and impose a caliphate” on the communities.

Fuddang emphasized the need for community members to bear arms to deter attackers, stating that relying solely on government security forces is insufficient.

The BCDC has extended its sympathies to the victims’ families and called on emergency agencies, such as NEMA, SEMA, and the Nigerian Red Cross, to provide relief to the displaced and injured.