By Ayodele Oni
President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to immediately move in, scour every stretch of the zone, and apprehend the culprits linked to a mass killing in Plateau state.
The Christmas Eve attacks in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State, resulted in the tragic loss of many lives, estimated at over 300.
President Tinubu, who gave the directive on Tuesday, while condemning the genocide in very strong terms, also directed the immediate mobilization of relief resources for surviving victims of what he described as “primitive and cruel attacks” as well as medical treatment for the wounded.
While condoling with the government and the people of Plateau State, Tinubu assured Nigerians that the envoys of death, pain, and sorrow would not escape justice.
Meanwhile, Plateau state Police command has disclosed that 96 persons were confirmed dead and over 200 houses destroyed by the assailants. Also destroyed were eight vehicles and 27 motorcycles. However, unofficial reports put it at over 300 deaths.
Police spokesman in the state, DSP Alfred Alabo, who stated this on Tuesday in Jos, said “On Dec. 24, at about 10 p.m., gunmen attacked 15 villages in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas simultaneously.
“Findings from the assessment of the incident in Bokkos revealed that the 12 villages were attacked; more than 79 persons killed and 221 houses were set ablaze. Twenty-seven motorcycles and eight vehicles were equally burnt down.
“Three communities were attacked in Barkin-Ladi where 17 persons were killed.
“Investigation and monitoring are still on and further development will be communicated soon.”
He listed communities attacked in Bokkos Local Government Area as Ndun, Ngyong, Murfet, Makundary, Tamiso, Chiang, Tahore, Gawarba, Dares, Meyenga, Darwat and Butura Kampani.
Alabo stated also that communities attacked in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area were NTV, Hurum and Darawat.
