By Wellington Jopelo
Not fewer than 18 farmers have been killed and several others injured in a fresh attack in Plateau State, as violence continues to hit rural communities in the North-Central region of Nigeria.
The attack reportedly occurred in Kawel village, Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area, where armed assailants stormed the farming community and opened fire on residents.
Eyewitness accounts said the attackers invaded the area and left behind destruction, forcing surviving villagers to flee for safety as security tensions in the region remain high.
The latest incident adds to the growing wave of violent attacks in Plateau communities, where farmers and residents have repeatedly come under assault in recent months.
Local sources said emergency responders and security operatives were later deployed to the affected area, although the full extent of the damage was still being assessed at the time of filing this report.
Community leaders have continued to raise concerns over persistent insecurity, calling for stronger protection of rural settlements that are often targeted during such attacks.
The Plateau State Government is yet to issue an official detailed statement on the incident, but authorities are expected to launch investigations into the killings.
The attack has once again heightened fears among residents, many of whom say they no longer feel safe returning to their farms and daily activities.
Security experts warn that repeated attacks in farming communities could worsen food insecurity in the state if urgent action is not taken.
As of now, the situation in the area remains tense, with residents calling for immediate intervention to prevent further loss of lives.