At least 18 persons have been killed by gunmen in separate attacks on Kawel and Kopkon communities, in Mushere district, Bokkos LGA of Plateau state.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, that troops of Sector 5, under Operation Enduring Peace, responded to the coordinated attacks at about 1:20am on June 20.
The sources said the assailants invaded Kawel and Kopkon villages, shooting sporadically, before fleeing the scene as security forces made their way in.
Upon arrival, troops discovered 12 bodies in Kawel village and six bodies in Kopkon village.
The sources noted that troops immediately launched an offensive in the general area to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Operation Enduring Peace has intensified patrols and security deployments in parts of Plateau state following recurring attacks in some rural communities.
In May, 12 persons were killed in separate attacks on communities in Riyom and Bassa LGAs of Plateau state.
The attacks, which occurred in the wee hours, came amid renewed violence and reprisal killings across parts of the state.
In March, gunmen killed 27 residents in Angwan Rukuba area of Jos north.
