BREAKING: Black Christmas as bandits kill 76 In Plateau communities
The attackers were claimed to have set fire to several residences while also looting farm produce and destroying property.
Assailants reportedly killed 76 people in new attacks on numerous communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
Monday Kasa, Chairman of the Transition Implementation Committee of Bokkos Local Government Area, told Channels Television that the organized attacks began on Saturday and lasted till Christmas Eve, when villagers were already in a celebratory mood.
The local government chief went on to say that the number of casualties is growing as more bodies are recovered by the team of security personnel, local vigilantes, and hunters who are still combing the bushes for missing people who were ambushed during the attacks.
He went on to say that the attackers set fire to many residences as well as looted farm produce and destroyed property.
The unprovoked attacks drew the attention of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who condemned the act and urged immediate action and community vigilance.
The governor urged security authorities to apprehend the perpetrators of the atrocious acts and ensure they face the full force of the law in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere.
The governor also advised residents throughout the state to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security personnel for swift action.
As rescue activities continue in the targeted towns, both the police department and the joint security task force Operation Safe Haven have yet to comment on the attacks.