Over a week after the horrifying Christmas Eve attacks in Plateau State, residents of Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu Local Government Areas are still fleeing their homes, leaving the affected communities eerily deserted. Gunmen unleashed violence on over 25 communities, resulting in the death of more than 150 people, exacerbating the ongoing security challenges in Plateau State.
The attacks, reported by The PUNCH, involved the burning of numerous houses and property worth millions of naira, with over 10,000 individuals displaced. Among the targeted communities were Mangur village, Mbar, Tangur, Bokkos Central, Butura, and Mushere, among others.
During a visit to the affected communities, including Matellem, Dung, Yelwa, and Ngyong, on Friday, our correspondent observed a haunting emptiness in the villages, coupled with a notable absence of security forces.
Mbar community, where a pastor and his family were reportedly among the victims, bore witness to charred remains scattered amid burnt houses, highlighting the extent of the devastation.
Peace advocate Gideon ParaMallam and his Peace Foundation visited Bokkos Communities to express solidarity and provide relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at locations such as the COCIN Church in Bokkos.
ParaMallam emphasized the need for justice and condemned the false narrative suggesting that Bokkos residents were involved in internal conflicts. He urged Nigerians to unite in condemning the terrorism that transpired on Christmas Eve.
The burnt palace of the paramount ruler of Bokkos still emitted thick smoke, with soldiers guarding the premises. It was revealed that the paramount ruler had fled with his family before protesters set the palace ablaze, expressing anger at perceived abandonment in the face of the attacks.
Kefas Mallai, Chairman of Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, explained that the protesting women believed the paramount ruler had neglected his duty to protect the people. The chairman also highlighted the arrest of youths by soldiers, sparking further tension.
Monday Kassam, Chairman of Bokkos LGA, blamed the military for escalating tension, pointing out that pleas for the release of arrested individuals were ignored. A new commander, Lt. Col. Isaac Indiorhwer, has been deployed to Bokkos to address the security situation and restore peace.
Lt. Col. Indiorhwer assured residents that efforts were being made to ensure peace, dispelling fears of fresh attacks. He affirmed ongoing patrols, community engagement, and a scheduled meeting with stakeholders to resolve the issues in Plateau State. The commander refuted claims that troops had abandoned the troubled communities, expressing confidence in the imminent return of peace to Bokkos and surrounding areas.
Source: PUNCH
