Christmas Eve Attacks: Death Toll Rises To 79, 221 Houses Set Ablaze In Plateau — Police

The death toll from gunmen attacks on some communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local government areas of Plateau State has risen to 79.

Plateau State Police Command confirmed that 79 persons were killed in Barki Ladi and Bokkos LGAs when gunmen invaded 15 communities simultaneously killing and maiming innocent people in the localities.

The Command, in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Alfred Alabo, said findings from the assessment of the ugly incidents affected areas revealed that a total number of 15 villages were destroyed in the two LGAs.

According to the statement, 221 houses were set ablaze, 27 motorcycles were burnt, eight vehicles were burnt down while 17 deaths were recorded in Barkin-ladi LGA alone.

The villages that came under heavy attacks by the assailants were Ndun, Ngyong, Murfet, Makundary, Tamiso, Chiang, Tahore, Gawarba, Dares, Meyenga, Darwat and Butura Kampani.

READ ALSO: Black Christmas In Plateau As Gunmen Kill 72

Others were NTV, Hurum and Darawat, respectively .

The statement further said in order to prevent further carnage, the Commissioner of Police, Okoro
Alawari, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations (DCP OPs) to relocate to Bokkos LGA and also deployed a high-power delegation of well armed operational forces to the troubled areas to prevent further attacks.