In a harrowing series of events on Christmas Eve, approximately 26 individuals lost their lives in attacks perpetrated by bandits in communities within Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas of Plateau State.
According to reports, 11 people were killed in Bokkos LGA, while another 15 lost their lives in a separate attack on villages in Barkin Ladi LGA. The assailants also reportedly set several houses ablaze during the attack in Barkin Ladi.
The incidents unfolded around 11:00 pm on Sunday night when unidentified gunmen entered the communities, unleashing sporadic gunfire.
Tragically, among the 11 people killed in Bokkos LGA were a clergyman and five members of the same family.
Plateau State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Alfred Alabo, confirmed the incidents, stating, “We are aware of incidents last night in some communities of Barkin Ladi and Bokkos LGAs. At the moment, I cannot give you the casualty figure because the DPOs in charge of those areas are working on it, and I will get it across to journalists as soon as it is made available to me.”
Alabo assured that the situation is currently calm. The Commander overseeing Pankshin and Bokkos is on-site, and the Commissioner of Police, Julius Alawari, has dispatched the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to the affected areas.
He added, “I’m also told that the injured have been taken to the hospital and are receiving treatment.” The Plateau State Police Command is actively working to gather and provide more details on the tragic incidents.
