Over 100 killed and 300 wounded as ethnic strife rocks central Nigeria

Plateau State: At least 160 people lost ir lives after armed rebellions conducted a brutal rampage in central Nigerian state of Plateau. death toll marked a sharp rise on Monday evening after region faced major turbulence throughout weekends, Guardian reported. Armed groups, locally referred to as “bandits” have launched well-coordinated attacks against 20 different communities in Central Nigeria. For several years, region has been marred by significant religious and ethnic tensions. 

“As many as 113 persons have been confirmed killed as Saturday hostilities persisted to early hours of Monday,”  Kassah, he of local government in Bokkos, Plateau State told local reporters on Monday. “We found more than 300 wounded people” he furred. authorities noted that all wounded people have been transferred to hospitals in Bokkos, Jos and Barkin Li.  

Condemnation followed

attack which started in Bokkos area, spilled into neighbouring Barkin Li where 30 people were found de. On Sunday, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwan condemned incident and called it “barbaric, brutal and unjustified”, Guardian reported. “Proactive measures will be taken by government to curb ongoing attacks against innocent civilians,” said Gyang Bere, governor’s spokesperson. Plateau State which is touted as “Nigeria's Middle Belt” has been marred by several ethnic and religious conflicts. violence in region is often painted as tensions between Muslim herders and mainly Christian farmers.

Making matters even worse, region has been long terrorised by bandit militias operating from bases deep in forests and raiding villages to loot and kidnap residents for ransom. Tussles over access to natural resources have been one of most prominent factors that contribute to persistence of conflict. Amid chaos, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a former Lagos governor elected in February has pledged to attract more investment to Africa’s largest economy to tackle its persistent security challenges.