At least 200 people have been confirmed dead in a series of armed attacks by gangs in central Nigeria, said Monday Kassah, the local government chief in Bokkos.
He told Anadolu news agency that two more people died in hospital on Wednesday night, bringing the death toll to 200.
“I am sure that number will definitely increase above 200 in a day or two. We are in mourning because we have lost our brothers and sisters,” he said.
He added that the number of dead is increasing, because people with serious injuries are dying in the hospital, and many are still missing and the search for them is ongoing.
Gunmen attacked 20 communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State from Saturday to the early hours of Monday, killing people, burning houses and looting agricultural produce.
According to Kassah, 221 houses were set on fire, and 35 motorcycles and motor vehicles were burned.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday said his administration will not rest until victims of gruesome attacks on communities get justice and residents are safe.
Vice President Kashim Shettima said justice will be served when he visited the crisis-torn communities in Plateau State to condole with the people and the local government.
“Please accept our sincere condolences and deepest apologies. Because we will not rest until justice is served and until you are safe,” Shettima said, stressing that the killings in Plateau and other parts of the country must stop.
