Death toll from assailants’ attacks on some communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State during the weekend has risen to 76.
It was earlier reported on Sunday that no fewer than 16 persons were killed in Mushu village in Bokkos LGA.
According to Daily Trust, the spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, Captain Oya James, confirmed the incident, saying the attack took place on Saturday night while residents of the community were asleep.
“Following the attack, security personnel were deployed to prevent any breakdown of law and order in the area. There was uprising after the incident but the situation has been brought under control,” James had said.
Meanwhile, it was gathered on Monday that the death toll had risen to 76.
The Transition Implementation Committee Chairman of Bokkos LGA,
Monday Kasa, confirmed this to Channels TV, noting that the attacks on the two LGAs occurred on Saturday and lasted into Sunday.
Kasa said the casualty figure was increasing and that corpses were still being recovered by security agents, vigilantes and hunters combing the forest for missing persons. The council boss noted that several houses were burnt by the assailants, who also went away with farm produce belonging to the residents.
The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang condemned the attack, describing the attack as barbaric, brutal and uncalled for.
A statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, said the governor directed security agencies to promptly apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the heinous act and ensure they face the full wrath of the law.
Bare said the governor expressed deep concern over the incident, urging communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security forces for immediate action.
The statement added, “On the importance of collective collaboration among rural communities, the governor assured that proactive measures would be taken by the government to curb the ongoing attacks on innocent citizens.
He sympathised with affected families and urged them to find solace in God as the government diligently works to end the prolonged violence.”
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, had on Sunday asked Nigerians to unite against common enemies and support the military.