Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Nigeria sees 20-plus killings as gunmen, mobs erupt.

6/23/2026

40 6 Full Breakdown

Center

Gunmen Terrorize Nigeria

A wave of lethal violence swept Nigeria this week, spanning attacks from Plateau State to mob lynchings in Kaduna.
Armed gunmen killed at least 20 people in Kawel community of Bokkos, Plateau State, then withdrew after police exchanged fire.
Spokesman Alfred Alabo said officers arrived, engaged attackers and gave remains to families refusing autopsies.
Mob violence also saw a police station raid in Maraban Jos killing a married woman.

Right

Police Repel Attack

Police in Plateau state said they fought the attackers in a fierce gun battle before the gunmen fled.
Gunmen attacked Bokkos district in Plateau state, killing eighteen on site and two later, total twenty dead.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang ordered emergency agencies to provide immediate relief to victims and families.
Police commissioner Bassey Ewah deployed extra tactical and mobile police units to the area.

History

Historical Context

Since the 2001 Jos riot—sparked by a dispute over a Muslim poverty-programme coordinator and killing about 1,000 people—Plateau State has endured repeated sectarian clashes, notably the 2008 and 2010 outbreaks that left over 300 dead and displaced thousands. Today’s attacks in Bokkos and Kaduna, responded to by Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Commissioner Bassey Ewah, echo this decade-long cycle of violence.

1 of 3

Gunmen Terrorize Nigeria

A wave of lethal violence swept Nigeria this week, spanning attacks from Plateau State to mob lynchings in Kaduna.
Armed gunmen killed at least 20 people in Kawel community of Bokkos, Plateau State, then withdrew after police exchanged fire.
Spokesman Alfred Alabo said officers arrived, engaged attackers and gave remains to families refusing autopsies.
Mob violence also saw a police station raid in Maraban Jos killing a married woman.

1 / 3