Plateau Christmas attacks, Death toll now 113

As a result of attackers’ attacks on a few communities in Plateau State’s Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas between Christmas Eve and yesterday morning, the number of people killed in the incident has increased to 113.

According to Daily Trust, Monday Kassah, the chairman of the Transition Committee for the Bokkos Local Government Area in Plateau State, has confirmed that 113 people lost their lives in the attacks on the villages.

It was previously reported that Mushu village in Bokkos LGA saw the deaths of approximately sixteen people.

The incident was confirmed to our correspondent by Captain Oya James, the spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, who stated that the attack happened on Saturday night while the community’s residents were asleep. Security personnel were sent in after the attack to keep the peace from breaking down.

Following the incident, there was an uprising, but James claimed that things had been brought under control.

He verified to reporters on Monday that 113 bodies had been found as a result of the attacks during his attack update.

“The bandits attacked not less than twenty different communities; the attacks were well coordinated,” he continued.

“We have recovered 113 dead bodies from those communities as I speak with you. Over 300 injuries have been recovered; some were sent to Jos hospitals, some to Barkin Ladi hospitals, and still others to Bokkos hospitals.

“The security personnel have been working hard, but they are unable to reach those communities due to the challenging terrain.”

There have been house fires in the Barikin LGA communities as a result of the violence.

According to Kasa, the number of casualties is rising, and hunters, vigilantes, and security personnel are still finding bodies while searching the forest for missing people. The head of the council reported that the attackers had set fire to multiple homes and taken away the residents’ agricultural produce.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang, in the meantime, denounced the attack and called it savage, vicious, and unnecessary.

According to a statement released on Sunday by Gyang Bere, his Director of Press and Public Affairs, the governor gave security agencies instructions to find the people who carried out the horrible deed as soon as possible and make sure they are held fully accountable for their actions.

According to Bare, the governor voiced grave concerns over the incident, urging communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security forces for immediate action.

The statement added, “On the importance of collective collaboration among rural communities, the governor assured that proactive measures would be taken by the government to curb the ongoing attacks on innocent citizens. He sympathised with affected families and urged them to find solace in God as the government diligently works to end the prolonged violence.”