Death Toll in Weekend Attacks Rises to 113 in Plateau State, Nigeria

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
26/12/2023 19h01

Article:
In the central Nigerian state of Plateau, the death toll from the weekend attacks has risen to 113, according to a local official. The region is known for frequent clashes between herders and farmers, and this incident marks the worst outbreak of violence since May.

On Sunday, the Nigerian army reported that 16 people were killed, as per AFP news agency. However, Monday Kassah, the acting chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, revealed that a total of 113 people had lost their lives in the attacks that took place on Saturday and Sunday.

Kassah described the attacks as well-coordinated, reaching more than 20 different communities, all targeted by bandits. Along with the tragic loss of life, over 300 individuals have been injured in the assaults.

Plateau State, located in Nigeria's Middle Belt, is part of a group of states known for their ethnic and religious diversity. The area has seen numerous inter-communal conflicts in recent years, resulting in a significant number of fatalities.

Although the violence is often characterized as ethno-religious conflict between Muslim herders and Christian farmers, other contributing factors such as climate change and expanding agriculture also play a significant role.

International condemnation of the attacks has begun, with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs issuing a statement on Tuesday, strongly denouncing the incidents. The statement called for the identification and prosecution of the perpetrators, while assuring the Nigerian authorities of full solidarity.

The situation in Plateau State remains tense as authorities work to restore peace and security. The high death toll and the vast number of injured individuals underscore the urgent need for measures to prevent further violence and promote peaceful coexistence among different communities.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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