Christmas Day Massacre: Death toll rises to 112 as gunmen attack 12 Plateau villages
Christmas Day Massacre: Death toll rises to 112 as gunmen attack 12 Plateau villages
Suspected pastoralists have allegedly killed at least 112 residents and injured 47 others across two local government areas in Plateau State on Christmas day.
According to sources from the security and local leadership, the attackers carried out a series of coordinated assaults on approximately 12 communities spanning Barkin Ladi and Bokkos council areas on Christmas Eve.
“The attack commenced on Saturday evening when the herdsmen infiltrated the areas and began committing atrocities, continuing until midnight on Sunday,” said a security source who requested anonymity pending an official police statement.
“We are puzzled at how they acquired the weapons they used, as no group should possess such capability.”
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Among the affected villages were Ruku, Hurum, Darwat, Mai Yanga Sabo in Gashi, and Ropp districts of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
Solomon Musa, president of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, noted that at least 60 bodies were recovered in Bokkos, about 52 kilometers southeast of Jos, as of Monday afternoon.
Additionally, 26 bodies were discovered in Ropp and Gashi. A police inspector indicated that the total death toll had exceeded 112 residents, predominantly women and children.
“Forty-seven people with varying injuries were evacuated to hospitals and clinics,” added local chief Joseph Gwamzhi.
“In certain communities, the attacks persisted for over five hours,” he said.
Eyewitnesses reported that the security forces were overwhelmed during the assaults, rendering them incapable of confronting the assailants, some of whom allegedly wore military attire.
The police spokesperson in Plateau did not respond to a request for comments regarding police intervention, while a government spokesperson mentioned that a statement on the situation would be circulated.