In a recent report, Amnesty International Nigeria revealed that 1,336 individuals lost their lives in Plateau State during the period spanning from December 2023 to February 2024.
The casualties primarily emanated from Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas within the state.
Furthermore, the report indicated that a total of 29,554 people are currently displaced in these three LGAs during the review period.
During a ‘Photo Exhibition on the Impact of Conflicts and Humanitarian Situations in some Communities of Plateau State Affected by Violent Attacks’ held in Jos, Isa Sanusi, the Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, presented these findings.
Sanusi highlighted that the statistics were compiled following an extensive investigation conducted by the organization in collaboration with various government entities.
“Subsequent to the tragic incidents on Christmas Eve in Barkin-Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu, our research team ventured into the affected regions,” Sanusi remarked.
He continued, “Our findings reveal that between December 2023 and February 2024, 1,336 individuals perished, including 533 women, 263 children, and 540 men.”
“A staggering 29,554 individuals have been displaced, comprising 13,093 children and 16,461 women,” he added.
Sanusi urged the government to thoroughly investigate the events without bias, ensuring justice for the victims, survivors, and their families.
He further emphasized the necessity for fair trials to bring the perpetrators of the attacks to justice.
“Displaced persons must receive adequate humanitarian assistance, and the education of children must be uninterrupted,” Sanusi stressed.
“It is imperative that the government probes the security shortcomings that allowed the assailants to carry out these heinous acts with impunity,” he stressed.
“Those entrusted with safeguarding lives and property must be held accountable, with particular attention to the impact of the conflict on children,” he concluded.
Notably, the Plateau State Government established a resettlement committee aimed at facilitating the return of all displaced persons to their native lands.