Death toll in Plateau Christmas Eve attack now 195
The death toll resulting from the Christmas Eve attack in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi on the Plateau has climbed to 195, as confirmed by the Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Musa Ashoms.
The search for missing individuals is still ongoing.
The Nigerian Red Cross, operating in Bokkos, reported 161 deaths and 32,604 people affected, with 84 communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi affected.
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The attack has displaced 29,350 individuals, causing injuries to 301 people and the destruction of 27 houses.
Armed groups conducted coordinated attacks between Saturday evening and Tuesday morning in Plateau State, an area historically troubled by religious and ethnic tensions.
The initial death toll of 163 was revised upwards following more comprehensive assessments.
During a meeting with Nigeria’s vice president, Monday Kassah, the head of the local government in Bokkos, stated that 148 villagers had been killed in the attacks, with an additional 50 reported dead in Barkin Ladi.
There are concerns that the death toll may rise further as some individuals remain missing, and thousands have been displaced.
Vice President Kashim Shettima urged unity and discouraged divisive rhetoric, underscoring the pursuit of justice for the affected communities.
The situation prompted President Bola Tinubu to order security agencies to apprehend the culprits, with Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang calling for collective efforts in identifying and bringing those responsible to justice.
Northwest and central Nigeria have faced persistent challenges from bandit militias, contributing to conflicts between nomadic herders and farmers.
Climate pressures and population growth have intensified these tensions, leading to violence. The UN’s World Food Programme warned of increased hunger levels in Nigeria due to conflict, insecurity, inflation, and climate change.
President Tinubu has prioritized addressing insecurity since taking office in May, aiming to attract foreign investment.
The broader context in Nigeria includes a longstanding jihadist conflict in the northeast, involving groups like Boko Haram and affiliates linked to the Islamic State.