Death toll in Plateau bandits’ attack rises above 160 – Officials
The Baptist Church has confirmed that nine of its members were killed by Fulani militia during the December 24 attacks in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas of Plateau State.
President of the Baptist Conference in Plateau, Rev. Keoleh Saleh, who confirmed the deaths in a statement on Wednesday, said the deceased were members of the Nasara Baptist Church, Dares in Tanti Baba of Bokkos.
Saleh further disclosed that he and other leaders of the church had visited Dares community to witness the mass burial of the victims earlier on Wednesday.
The Baptist Conference President, who described the incident as unfortunate, said rescue operation was still ongoing as more members of the church were still missing.
“We are here on behalf of the Nigerian Baptist Convention to see things for ourselves and participate in this mass burial.
”At the moment, we have lost nine of our members who are from Nasara Baptist Church, Dares.
”The President of Baptist convention postponed our usual Christmas celebration just to honour our fallen members,” he said.
Saleh, however, urged members of the church and all residents of the community put their trust in God despite the current situation.
He also called on the federal government and the security agencies to address the circle of attacks, mindless killings and wanton destruction of properties in the state.
At least 160 people were confirmed dead and several others injured in the coordinated attacks across 15 communities of Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local government areas of Plateau State.
The bandits also destroyed 1, 290 houses, farmlands and other properties worth millions of naira in the attacks that took place between Saturday and Sunday.
More than 80 persons sustained various degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at various hospitals in the state.
