On Christmas Eve, gunmen unleashed assault on 15 communities in the Barkin-Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas of Plateau State, resulting in the terrible deaths of 96 people and the destruction of 221 houses.

According to DSP Alfred Alabo, the state's Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), who made this announcement in Jos, the state capital, on Tuesday, the attackers also destroyed eight cars and twenty-seven motorcycles.

“On Dec. 24, around 10 p.m., gunmen carried out simultaneous attacks on 15 villages in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas.

“Following assessments in Bokkos, it was determined that 12 villages were assaulted, resulting in the loss of more than 79 lives and the burning of 221 houses.

“Moreover, 27 motorcycles and eight vehicles were also set ablaze.

“In Barkin-Ladi, three communities were targeted, resulting in the loss of 17 lives.“Investigations and ongoing monitoring efforts persist, and any further developments will be communicated soon,” stated Alabo.

He listed the following communities as having been assaulted in the Bokkos Local Government Area: Butura Kampani, Ndun, Ngyong, Murfet, Makundary, Tamiso, Chiang, Tahore, Gawarba, Dares, Meyenga, and Darwat.

Alabo stated that NTV, Hurum, and Darawat were the three communities attacked in the Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area.