2023 Plateau State massacres
| 2023 Plateau State massacres | |
|---|---|
| Part of the Nigerian bandit conflict | |
 | |
| Location | Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi, Plateau State, Nigeria |
| Date | 24 December 2023 |
| Target | 20 rural communities |
Attack type | Coordinated gun attacks |
| Weapons | Firearms |
| Deaths | 160 |
| Injured | 300+ |
| Victims | Predominantly local residents |
| Perpetrators | Believed to have been Fulani militia |
| Motive | Ethnic and religious tensions, land disputes, jihad, farmer-herder conflict |
| Inquiries | Amnesty International called for an independent investigation |
Attacks followed previous incidents in October and November 2023 | |
From 23 to 25 December 2023, a series of armed attacks occurred in Plateau State, Nigeria. The police attributed the attacks to military gangs or bandits. They targeted 20 rural communities in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas, resulting in 160 deaths, 300 injuries, and significant property damage.[1][2]
Background[edit]
Plateau State has a history of ethnic and religious conflicts, mainly between Fulani pastoralists and Berom farmers. Previous attacks include those in April 2022, as well as October and November 2023.[3]
Attacks[edit]
Coordinated attacks on 24 December in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi targeted multiple villages, leaving 79 dead in Bokkos and 17 in Barkin-Ladi. The well-armed and organized attackers operated from forest bases in neighboring states.[4][5]
Aftermath[edit]
The attacks prompted outrage, with residents demanding justice and government protection. Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the violence, but his response faced criticism.[6] Amnesty International called for an independent investigation.[7] The international community, including the UN, AU, EU, and the US, expressed condemnation and offered support.[8]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "At least 140 villagers killed by suspected herders in dayslong attacks in north-central Nigeria". AP News. 26 December 2023. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
- ^ Aluwafemi, Ayodele (25 December 2023). "Many killed', properties razed as gunmen attack Plateau communities". The Cably. Retrieved 25 December 2023.
- ^ "Plateau State govnor: How ova 115 pipo die for Plateau attacks, 64 communities displaced". BBC News Pidgin. 25 December 2023. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
- ^ France-Presse, Agence (25 December 2023). "At least 160 dead and 300 wounded after attacks by armed gangs in Nigeria". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
- ^ Asadu, Chinedu. "At least 140 killed by suspected herders in dayslong attacks in north-central Nigeria". ABC News. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
- ^ "Plateau State Governor, Mutfwang Laments How Terrorists Had Occupied Schools In Barkin Ladi For Five Years Before Attacks | Sahara Reporters". saharareporters.com. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
- ^ Odeniyi, Solomon (26 December 2023). "Probe Plateau attack, Amnesty Int'l urges FG". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
- ^ "Tinubu ya yi tir da harin Filato wanda aka kashe 'fiye da mutum 140'". BBC News Hausa (in Hausa). 26 December 2023. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
- 2023 in Nigeria
- December 2023 events in Africa
- 2023 murders in Africa
- 2020s massacres in Nigeria
- 21st century in Plateau State
- Arson in Nigeria
- Arson in the 2020s
- Attacks on buildings and structures in 2023
- Attacks on buildings and structures in Nigeria
- Crime in Plateau State
- Kidnappings in Nigeria
- Looting in Africa
- Mass kidnappings of the 2020s
- Massacres in 2023
- Nigerian bandit conflict