The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has arrived at Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos to conduct an assessment of the situation following the Christmas Eve attacks in Plateau State.
The attacks occurred in Bokkos, Barkin-Ladi, and parts of Mangu, resulting in the tragic loss of over 190 lives, numerous injuries, and significant damage to properties and residences.
Upon arrival, the IGP was formally welcomed at the airport by the Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, Julius Alawari, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, and other high-ranking security officials in the state.
Scheduled engagements for the police chief include a stakeholders meeting with Governor Caleb Mutfwang to address the security situation in the affected areas. Subsequently, he will proceed to Bokkos to inspect the implemented security measures.
This visit follows a recent attack in another community within the same Local Government on Thursday night, subsequent to the Christmas Eve incident.
In response to the latest attack, Monday Kassah, the Transition Committee Chairman of Bokkos, revealed that assailants targeted the community during the night, resulting in the destruction of homes. Fortunately, due to the timely intervention of security personnel, no casualties were reported.
Providing an update on the Christmas Day attack, Chairman Kassah reported that the total number of casualties remains at 195. The breakdown includes 148 fatalities in Bokkos Local Government Area, 19 in Mangu Local Government Area, and 27 in Barkin Ladi.
Additionally, 1,290 houses were burnt down in Bokkos council, with one house destroyed in Mangu LGA, while the extent of damage in Barkin Ladi is yet to be determined.
The Yuletide incident is considered the most severe outbreak of violence in Plateau since May, resulting in the unfortunate loss of more than 190 lives and leaving hundreds injured.
Ongoing rescue operations are actively addressing the situation, with efforts focused on locating missing persons.
