An armed group killed at least 20 people in Nigeria's north-central Plateau State on Sunday, police reported Monday. The attack occurred in the Kawel community within the Bokkos area.
Police officers responded to the scene and exchanged gunfire with the assailants, prompting their retreat. Authorities stated that no arrests have been made.
No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the violence, which is part of a recurring pattern in the region. Police spokesman Alfred Alabo confirmed that the victims' remains have been released to their families for burial, as the families declined autopsies.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has directed emergency management and humanitarian agencies to provide immediate relief and support to the affected victims and their families, according to a statement from spokesperson Joyce Ramnap.
Nigeria has grappled with significant security challenges. An insurgency in the northeastern part of the country has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions, according to United Nations data. Additionally, armed gangs operate in the northwestern and north-central regions. In March, a nighttime attack in Plateau's Gari Ya Waye community resulted in 20 fatalities.