A tragic incident in Ruwi village, located in the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, no fewer than 10 individuals were reported killed by unidentified assailants during a wake-keep ceremony. This act of violence has sent shockwaves through the community, which was gathered to mourn the loss of a loved one, only to become victims of a brutal attack.
An anonymous source provided alarming details of the incident, stating, “Up to ten bodies from Ruwi are currently lying in a hospital in Bokkos as a result of the attack.” The loss of life during such a solemn occasion underscores the harsh reality of violence that many communities in Nigeria continue to face.
The Plateau State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, confirmed that an attack occurred in the village on the night of March 27, 2025, but stopped short of releasing an official casualty figure. In his statement, Alabo expressed heartfelt condolences to the families affected, asserting, “The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, wishes to express his deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the deceased and the entire people of the state following the regrettable incident that occurred on the night of 27th March 2025 in Ruwi village.”
From the timeline given by Alabo, the attack unfolded at around 9:20 PM, with armed individuals invading the village and discharging their weapons indiscriminately. Alabo noted, “As a result, some law-abiding citizens of the community who were attending a wake-keep to mourn the passing of their loved ones tragically lost their lives, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries.” This unfortunate episode reflects an ongoing trend of violence that has plagued many regions of Nigeria, raising questions about community safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement.
In response to the attack, the Commissioner directed immediate action, mobilizing officers to the site for necessary intervention. “Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer of Bokkos Division to mobilise and deploy officers to the scene for necessary action,” Alabo stated, emphasizing the prompt response of the authorities.
To bolster security efforts in the area, the Commissioner also ordered additional personnel and operational resources to Bokkos and its neighboring local government areas. “He further directed the Area Commander of Pankshin to relocate his base to Bokkos for strict supervision of all operations and to prevent a recurrence of such unfortunate incidents,” Alabo explained, indicating a systemic approach to addressing the surge in violence.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the attack, local residents and leaders are left contemplating their safety and the grim reality of life in a region marked by conflict.
The incident is a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective measures to curb violence and ensure the protection of innocent lives in Nigeria.