Death toll from Plateau attacks hits 52

Death toll from the recent gunmen attacks on several communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State has increased to 52, following the discovery of more bodies during ongoing search efforts.

Chairman of the Bokkos Cultural Development Council Vanguard, Farmasum Fuddang, confirmed the updated figure while speaking with journalists in Jos on Friday.

According to him, 40 more corpses were recovered between Wednesday and Thursday night.

“31 persons were given a mass burial on Thursday, with another five underage victims burnt to ashes in Hurti village. 11 others were killed in Ruwi village, four persons were killed in Manguna, with one person killed in Dafo village,”; Fuddang stated.

The attacks, which occurred on the night of April 2, 2025, targeted the communities of Mangor Tamiso, Daffo, Manguna (Tagai), Hurti, and Tadai.

Armed assailants reportedly stormed the areas, shooting indiscriminately and burning homes.

In reaction to the violence, the Plateau State Government confirmed that arrests have been made in connection to the attacks.

Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Joyce Ramnap, in a statement issued in Jos, condemned the attacks and expressed the government's commitment to justice.

“Plateau State Government has condemned the recent wave of violent attacks in the wee hours of 2nd April, 2025, at Manguno, Josho, and Daffo communities in Bokkos Local Government Area, in which some communities were razed and lives were lost,”; Ramnap said.

She added, “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and assure them that every effort is being made to bring the perpetrators to justice. Governor Caleb Mutfwang and his administration remain fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Plateau residents.”;

Ramnap disclosed that security agencies have been deployed to the affected areas to restore order, adding that “important arrests have been made by the security agencies, and this will hopefully help in stemming the tide of this ugly situation. We strongly urge citizens to exercise restraint and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.”;

She also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement.

“Citizens must actively cooperate with law enforcement to facilitate the identification and apprehension of those responsible for these heinous acts,”; the commissioner said.

She noted that the government is enhancing surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response mechanisms in collaboration with security operatives.

The statement also called on religious, traditional, and community leaders to promote peace and lawful engagement among residents.