Black Christmas: Death toll in Plateau bandits attack rises above 160 – Officials

By James Moses (9News Nigeria, Jos)

The death tolll from sustained attacks by armed bandits suspected to be Fulani Militia in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State has reportedly risen to 160, according to LG officials.

The attacks began on Christmas Eve, December 24 in Bokkos and spilled into Christmas day on Monday, with Militia invading different communities in affected LGAs where they killed and destroyed properties with impunity.

Chairperson of Bokkos Council Monday Kassah, who brief Journalists on the situation in Jos on Monday said the death toll marked a sharp rise from the initial figure reported by the army on Sunday evening of just 16 dead.

“As many as 113 persons has been confirmed killed as Saturday hostilities persistent to early hour of Monday.

“The bandits launched a well-coordinated attack in nott fewer than 20 different communities, killing hundreds of our people and torchdown houses.

“We found more than 300 wounded people who were transferred to hospitals in Bokkos, Jos and Barkin-Ladi”, he said.

Local Red Cross officials said a provisional toll by the local stood at 104 deaths in 18 villages in Bokkos region, while stock is still being taken. However, açcording to Mador Magai, a resident of Butura Company village in Bokkos LGA told 9News Nigeria that he lost everything including his wife, five children and a house as a result of the attacks.

A survivor Pam Dachung who is also a resident of NTV village in Barkin -Ladi LGA said:

“I’ve never seen this type of situation ever since I was born, this harsh, inhuman, terrible and callous”

A source who claimed anonimity said:

“I lost lives, so many valuables, including 2 houses as a result of the killing” He pleaded that the government should take drastic action against the perpetrators of this grievious and evil act that has made him an instant widower.

A Member Plateau State House of Assembly, Dicksion Chollom who also commented on the incident, said at least 50 people were also reported dead in different villages in Barkin Council.

“We will not succumb to the tactics of these merchants of death. We are united in our pursuit of Justice and lasting peace” Chollom said, while condeming the attacks and called on Security Forces to take proactive actions to stem the situation.