In a tragic turn of events, the death toll from the Christmas Eve massacre in Plateau State has surged to 195, with hundreds of houses razed in coordinated attacks across three local government areas.
Bokkos Local Government Area alone reported 148 casualties, Mangu LGA recorded 19, and Barkin Ladi LGA documented 27 lives lost.
The violence also resulted in the burning of 1,290 houses in Bokkos council, raising concerns about the security situation in the region. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) condemned the attacks, highlighting the gruesome murder of defenseless Nigerians and the displacement of over 10,000 individuals.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, expressed dismay, urging governments to fulfill their duty of protecting citizens. Vice-President Kashim Shettima assured survivors of the coordinated attacks that the Federal Government would not allow the incident to go unpunished.
Read Also Plateau Massacre: Tinubu’s Campaign Promises Unmet as killings continue
President Bola Tinubu activated immediate humanitarian response and support for the victims, as a civil society organization, Community Advancement and Humanitarian Enhancement Initiative (CSCHEI), labeled the massacre a stark reminder of the deep-seated security challenges in the nation.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) criticized the APC-led government, alleging a laid-back and insensitive attitude towards security issues. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, accused President Tinubu of abdicating his constitutional role, leading to the emboldening of terrorists and bandits.
Pay Attention To Nigerian Newspapers: 10 things to know today, December 28, 2023
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) ordered investigations and the arrest of perpetrators, deploying additional resources to Plateau State. Femi Falana, a rights activist, called on the Federal Government to end the killing of unarmed citizens in Plateau State, citing a pattern of attacks and impunity.
As the nation grapples with this tragedy, questions arise about the effectiveness of security measures, the need for proactive intelligence, and the imperative for justice to prevent future occurrences.
The Plateau Massacre underscores the urgent call for a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the longstanding security challenges facing the nation.
