The death toll from the devastating attacks on multiple communities in Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State has surged to 52, following extensive search efforts. The violent assault, which occurred on Wednesday night, prompted swift responses from local authorities and national figures alike, with calls for stronger security measures to prevent further atrocities.
On Wednesday night, gunmen launched attacks on Mangor, Tamiso, Daffo, Manguna, Hurti, and Tadai communities. Initial reports confirmed 10 fatalities, but additional bodies were discovered as search teams scoured nearby areas for missing persons. Among the latest recoveries, 31 victims were given a mass burial, while others, including children, were either burned or buried following their grisly discovery in Hurti, Ruwi, Manguna, and Dafo villages.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar blamed the tragedy on the failure of President Bola Tinubu’s security architecture, accusing it of enabling a nationwide security crisis. Atiku expressed sorrow over the ongoing violence, urging the federal government to urgently reconfigure security strategies to safeguard the lives of citizens.
Former Plateau State House of Representatives member, Dachung Bagos, joined the outcry, condemning the killings as barbaric and calling for swift legislative action to establish community police forces. Bagos stressed that empowering local governments to oversee security would help address the root causes of such violence and better protect vulnerable communities.
The Plateau State government has confirmed that suspects have been arrested in connection with the massacre. In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Joyce Ramnap, assured the public that authorities are working diligently to restore order. Security agencies have been deployed to patrol the affected villages, with investigations ongoing to identify the perpetrators.
Ramnap also emphasized the importance of community cooperation, urging residents to report suspicious activities to authorities to aid in the apprehension of those responsible. The Plateau State government remains committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens, reinforcing its security efforts, and calling for continued unity among the people of Plateau.
