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BOKKOS, Nigeria – Eight residents killed in the April 9 attack on Mbwelle village, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, were laid to rest in a mass burial on April 10 amid grief and growing anger over security failures, according to local reports.

The victims, most from the same family, died when armed gunmen stormed the community around 11:00 p.m. and opened fire for nearly an hour. Those buried were identified as Elder Iliya Mangut Dakus, Mr. Luck Titus Dakus, Mr. Habila Istifanu Dakus, Mr. Hassan Istifanus Dakus, Mrs. Hassan Moses Dakus, Biggie Lucky Dakus, Sunday Gideon Dakus, and Mr. Innocent Barnabas Makwin.

Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, who conducted the burial service, told mourners: “My fellow Christians, I will not stop calling on heaven because of our brothers and sisters that have been killed in Bokkos. … Most of the victims are Christ Apostolic Church members. … We are all under a dilemma. The whole world should know what is happening in Plateau State. We need help.”

Kefas Mallai, Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, said the attack lasted for hours with no visible security presence to repel the assailants. Youth Leader Christopher Luka described the killings as “a sad and devastating assault” and noted the gunmen “targeted one family mostly.”

The attack follows a pattern of escalating violence in Plateau State, including a Palm Sunday assault in Jos North that killed dozens.