The tranquility of Christmas in Plateau, Nigeria, was shattered as coordinated attacks by unidentified assailants left behind a trail of destruction. The Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas bore the brunt of the violence, with over 100 reported deaths and 221 houses reduced to ashes. The violence, which occurred in the late hours of December 24 and continued into Christmas Day, has sent shockwaves across the region.
As the dust settles, the true toll of the attacks is still emerging, with many individuals still unaccounted for. The scale of the devastation extends beyond the loss of lives. Countless families have been displaced, and property worth millions of naira has been wiped out.
In the wake of this tragedy, harrowing accounts have surfaced from survivors. Israel James, a native of the Lunghai community of Mangor in Bokkos LGA, spoke of the complete destruction of his village and the heart-wrenching murder of his uncle in a place of worship. These testimonies paint a grim picture of the horrors faced by the affected communities.
Amid the chaos, the Plateau State Police Command has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Commissioner of Police, CP Okoro Alawari, expressed profound sorrow over the attacks and extended condolences to the bereaved families. A swift response has been initiated, with a high-power delegation of operational forces deployed to the troubled areas to prevent further bloodshed and assess the extent of the damage.
The preliminary findings from the assessment reveal the extent of the carnage: 12 villages in Bokkos LGA and three villages in Barkin Ladi LGA were targeted, resulting in the destruction of 221 homes, 27 motorcycles, and eight motor vehicles. The gravity of the situation is underscored by the loss of over 100 lives, with an additional 17 deaths reported in Barkin Ladi LGA.
The State Police Command has pledged to keep the public informed as the investigation unfolds, reiterating its commitment to upholding peace and security in the region. The indomitable spirit of the affected communities, in the face of such unfathomable tragedy, serves as a testament to the resilience of the people of Plateau, Nigeria.
