A recent surge of violence has claimed the lives of at least seventy-six individuals in 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, disclosed to Channels Television that the coordinated assaults unfolded on Saturday and persisted into Christmas Eve, catching residents in the midst of festive celebrations.
Kasa noted that the death toll continues to rise as security personnel, local vigilantes, and hunters work diligently to recover more bodies and locate missing persons ambushed during the assaults. The assailants not only caused loss of lives but also set numerous houses ablaze, looted farm produce, and inflicted damage on properties.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed condemnation for the unprovoked attacks, emphasizing the need for swift action and heightened community vigilance.
In an official statement, the governor, through Director of Press and Public Affairs Gyang Bere, directed security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators promptly and ensure they face the full weight of the law.
Governor Mutfwang urged residents across the state to maintain vigilance and promptly report any suspicious activities to security operatives.
As rescue operations unfold in the affected communities, both the police force and the joint security task force Operation Safe Haven have yet to provide official comments on the attacks.