In a devastating turn of events, Plateau State faces an alarming escalation in the death toll as the aftermath of widespread of recent attacks unfold.
The Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area, Hon Monday Kassa, reported that the community is still grappling with the grim task of searching for missing loved ones.
The death toll has surged to 155, according to recent reports.
Hon Kassa addressed the media, revealing, “Up to this moment, our people are still in the bush searching for missing ones. Today we have recovered more than 20 bodies from the bushes, and the search is not over yet.”
He emphasized the ongoing challenges, stating, “The situation on the ground now is not yet Uhuru. We are working tirelessly. The leadership of the Fulani is saying that they are going to talk to their people, and we want to take them by their words. We never launched any attack on them. They are the ones attacking, and we don’t really understand why they are attacking us.”
Providing clarity on the grim statistics, he confirmed, “The death toll from Bokkos Local Government now is 125.”
Similarly, Hon Danjuma Dakil, Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, revised the death toll to 30, contrary to the earlier reported 17.
President Bola Tinubu has called on security agencies to swiftly apprehend the perpetrators of the Plateau killings, seeking immediate justice for the victims.
Highlighting the humanitarian crisis, Hon Kassa revealed that over 1,000 injured individuals were rushed to Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH). The hospital’s capacity reached its limits, leading to the redistribution of the injured to various hospitals in Jos city.
“I’m pleased that the state governor has assured of footing the medical bills of the injured,” he added.
Additionally, Hon Dakil confirmed that the state governor has sought assistance from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
NEMA has pledged a prompt response to the emergencies, with teams en route to both Bokkos and Barkin Ladi.