Naija Street Matters gathered that most of the victims were from the same family.
Those killed include Elder Iliya Mangut Dakus, Luck Titus Dakus, Habila Istifanu Dakus, Hassan Istifanus Dakus, Mrs Hassan Moses Dakus, Biggie Lucky Dakus, Sunday Gideon Dakus, and Innocent Barnabas Makwin.
The Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos, Kefas Mallai, confirmed the incident to Naija Street Matters in Jos on Friday.
According to him, the attackers struck around 11 p.m., opening fire on residents and leaving several others injured, while some people are still missing.
Mallai said,
“There was an attack last night at Mbwelle village, which is very close to Bokkos town. So far, eight people have been confirmed dead.”
He added that residents are planning to protest, accusing security agencies of failing to respond despite the prolonged attack.
“The attack lasted for hours, yet there was no security presence to stop them. The attackers carried out their operation and left without any trace,” he said.
Mallai further alleged that while the attack was ongoing, security personnel were stationed in another nearby community, believed by locals to be linked to the attackers.
Also confirming the incident, the Youth Leader of Bokkos, Christopher Luka, described the assault as deeply tragic.
“The gunmen arrived around 11 p.m. and began shooting randomly. They mostly targeted one family. We have eight confirmed deaths, some people seriously injured, and others still missing,” Luka said.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, DSP Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful.
Similarly, the Media Officer of the Joint Military Taskforce, Chinonso Oteh, said he would respond later but had not provided further details.
Naija Street Matters reports that Bokkos and neighbouring local government areas in Plateau State have continued to experience recurring security challenges.
Tensions have risen further in recent days. The Berom Youth Moulders Association recently raised concerns over persistent attacks and ambushes in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Jos South LGAs, despite the presence of security operatives.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, the group, led by its National President, Dalyop Mwantiri, described the attacks as a coordinated effort allegedly aimed at taking over ancestral lands.
The association recounted that on Wednesday, gunmen ambushed travellers returning from mining activities near the Great Commission area along Bokkos Road.
During the attack, Ayuba Pam from Nding Sesut was killed, while Alfred Dung and Nathaniel Bitrus sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
In another incident the same evening, around 6:30 p.m., gunmen reportedly killed Christopher Joshua, a father of three from the Byei community in Riyom LGA, along the Gwolhoss–Byei road while he was returning home.
The group expressed concern that such attacks continue to happen on busy rural roads frequently used by farmers, miners, and travellers, even though security agencies are aware of the high-risk areas.
They called on authorities to intensify surveillance and security patrols across major routes, including the Great Commission–Bokkos road, Great Commission–Gashish axis, Rahoss–Rim road, Kwi–Farin Lamba road, Gwolhoss–Jol–Sho road, and Rim–Bachi road.
