No fewer than seventy-six persons have been reportedly killed by assailants in fresh attacks on several communities of Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
A similar incident was recorded during the festive period in the state last year.
Speaking on the development, the Transition Implementation Committee Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area, Monday Kasa, disclosed that the coordinated attacks which were carried out on Saturday, lasted into Christmas Eve when residents were already in the festive mood.
He disclosed further that the casualty figures are increasing as more dead bodies are been recovered by the team of security personnel, local vigilantes and hunters who are still going through the bushes combing the communities in search of missing persons who were ambushed during the attacks.
The local government boss added that several houses were set ablaze by the attackers who also looted farm produce and destroyed property in the process.
The unprovoked attacks attracted the attention of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who condemned the act and called for swift action and community vigilance in the communities.
In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, the governor directed security agencies to promptly apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the heinous acts and ensure they face the full wrath of the law.
The governor also urged members of communities across the state to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security operatives for immediate action.
Credit: CHANNELS TV