Assailants kill 70 in Christmas attack in Plateau state

Assailants reportedly claimed the lives of no fewer than seventy-six individuals in a series of fresh attacks on various communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State.

Monday Kasa, the Transition Implementation Committee Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area, informed Channels Television that the coordinated attacks occurred on Saturday and extended into Christmas Eve, disrupting the festive mood of the residents.

Kasa elaborated that the casualty count is rising as security personnel, local vigilantes, and hunters continue to recover more bodies and search for missing individuals ambushed during the attacks in the communities.

The assailants not only set several houses ablaze but also looted farm produce and caused destruction to properties. Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed condemnation for these unprovoked attacks, urging swift action, community vigilance, and directing security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators promptly.

In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, the governor called for the full force of the law to be applied against those responsible. He also urged communities across the state to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to security operatives.

As rescue operations continue in the affected communities, both the police force and the joint security task force Operation Safe Haven are yet to provide official comments on the attacks.