Assailants launch fresh attack in Plateau after Christmas eve killings

Barely three days after the horrific Christmas eve attacks in Plateau state, assailants launched another attack on Bokkos area of the state Thursday night, an official said.

The fresh assault reignites anxieties following the deadliest outbreak of violence in Plateau since May, which claimed over 190 lives and hundreds injured.

Transition Committee Chairman of Bokkos, Monday Kassah, confirmed the latest attack, according to Channels TV, reporting that marauders stormed the community under the cover of darkness, setting houses ablaze and causing widespread destruction. No casualties were reported in this instance, thanks to the timely intervention of security operatives.

However, the scars of the Christmas Day massacre remain raw. Kassah confirmed the death toll remains at 195, with rescue operations still ongoing to locate missing persons. The attack’s devastating impact is starkly evident: 148 lives lost in Bokkos alone, 19 in Mangu, and 27 in Barkin Ladi.

Terrorists destroyed 1,290 homes in Bokkos, claiming one in Mangu, and leaving the extent of the damage in Barkin Ladi yet to be fully assessed.

Adding to the tragedy, the violence spilled over into neighboring Barkin Ladi, claiming an additional 30 lives, as confirmed by local chairman Danjuma Dakil.

UN demands independent probe

On Thursday, the United Nations reacted to the massacre, calling for an independent investigation.

“I am deeply alarmed by the series of attacks by gunmen on multiple rural communities in Plateau State, north-central Nigeria, on Christmas Eve, that left at least 150 people dead and many injured,” said UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk.

“I call on the Nigerian authorities to investigate this incident promptly, thoroughly and independently, consistent with international human rights law, and to hold those responsible to account in fair trials.

“The cycle of impunity fuelling recurrent violence must be urgently broken. The Government should also take meaningful steps to address the underlying root causes and to ensure non-recurrence of this devastating violence.”