Summary:

A surge of violence claims the lives of more than 113 people as coordinated attacks by “bandits” ravage multiple communities in central Nigeria.

In a harrowing turn of events, central Nigeria becomes the epicenter of tragedy as military gangs, locally known as “bandits,” orchestrate coordinated assaults, resulting in the devastating loss of over 113 lives.

This staggering toll starkly contradicts the initial army report of 16 casualties in a region already grappling with enduring religious and ethnic tensions.

Monday Kassah, the head of the local government in Bokkos, Plateau State, vividly described the brutality, detailing well-coordinated attacks spanning more than 20 communities. The aftermath exposed over 300 wounded individuals, swiftly transported to hospitals in Bokkos, Jos, and Barkin Ladi.

The violence, initially erupting in Bokkos, spilled into Barkin Ladi, claiming an additional 30 lives, as reported by local chairman Danjuma Dakil. Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the attacks as “barbaric, brutal, and unjustified,” pledging proactive measures to safeguard civilians. Persistent gunfire into late afternoon on Sunday indicated ongoing unrest.

Amnesty International scrutinized the government’s response, highlighting its failure to address frequent deadly attacks on rural communities in Plateau state. Northwest and central Nigeria remain under the constant threat of bandit militias, fomenting violence, looting, and kidnapping for ransom from their forest bases.

In another related development,

Fire Tragedy in Kayole: Six-Year-Old Loses Life, Twin Sister Seriously Injured.

Summary:

A devastating house fire claims a young life in Kayole, leaving the twin sister with severe burns.

On December 25, tragedy struck the Kayole police quarters as a house fire unfolded, tragically claiming the life of a six-year-old child. The twin sister suffered severe burns, intensifying the heartbreak.

A responding police officer also faced the brunt of the incident, sustaining 24 percent burns and seeking treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital.

Swift action by Kayole police and the Nairobi County Fire Brigade successfully contained the flames.

Investigations into the fire’s cause are underway, and the deceased child’s body awaits an autopsy at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital mortuary.