Assailants reportedly killed 76 people in new attacks on numerous communities in Plateau State’s Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas.
Monday Kasa, the Chairman of the Transition Implementation Committee of the Bokkos Local Government Area, informed the media that the organised attacks began on Saturday and lasted until Christmas Eve, when villagers were already in a celebratory mood.
The local government chief went on to say that the number of casualties is growing as more bodies are recovered by the team of security personnel, local vigilantes, and hunters who are still combing the bushes for missing people who were ambushed during the attacks.
He added that several houses were set ablaze by the attackers who also looted farm produce and destroyed properties in the process.
The unprovoked attacks attracted the attention of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who condemned the act and called for swift action and community vigilance in the communities.
In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, the governor directed security agencies to promptly apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the heinous acts and ensure they face the full force of the law.
The governor also urged members of communities across the state to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security operatives for immediate action.
Both the police force and the joint security task force Operation Safe Haven are yet to comment on the attacks as rescue operations are ongoing at the affected communities.