Almost three months after the fatal attacks and killings that took place on Christmas Eve 2023 in the Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local government areas of Plateau State, Amnesty International Nigeria has voiced concern over the absence of justice for the victims.
In a brief statement released on its X account on Friday, Amnesty noted that no justice has been served to the victims and their relatives after 89 days, despite the fact that the attacks claimed the lives of nearly 200 people and hundreds more were displaced.
“Today, it is 89 days since the deadly Christmas eve attacks in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Mangu LGA of Plateau state.
“Nearly 200 people were killed in horrific attacks that also displaced hundreds of people. Up to today, no justice for the victims and their families,” Amnesty said.
SaharaReporters had detailed how, on Christmas Eve, gunmen who appeared to be herdsmen assaulted roughly 17 settlements in the two local government areas, murdering a large number of people, wounding a large number of others, and setting numerous houses on fire.
Eight individuals were taken into custody in connection with the attacks, according to Plateau State police, who also stated that they were being questioned at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
In a similar vein, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, confirmed that the country’s armed forces had made some arrests and said that they were collaborating with state governments to retake all the communities that terrorists had taken over. He also stated that after the communities were recaptured, the number of internally displaced people would significantly decline as people would be able to return to their homes.
