Armed groups kill 160 in Nigeria

Armed groups have killed at least 160 people in central Nigeria in a series of attacks on villages, local government officials said on Monday (December 25).

It marks a sharp rise from the initial figure of 16 deaths in a clash between herders and farmers in Mushu, a village in the Bokkos local government area.

Kassah, head of the local government in Bokkos, Plateau State, on Monday said at least 113 people have been confirmed killed and more than 300 wounded people were transferred to hospitals in Bokkos, Jos, and Barkin Ladi.

A provisional toll by the local Red Cross reported 104 deaths in 18 villages in the Bokkos region.

Dickson Chollom, a member of the state parliament, condemned the attacks and called on the security forces to act swiftly.

“We will not succumb to the tactics of these merchants of death. We are united in our pursuit of justice and lasting peace,” Chollom said.

It is the worst outbreak of violence in Plateau since May when more than 100 were killed in farmer-herder clashes.

Armed attacks have been a major security threat in Nigeria’s northern and central regions, leading to deaths and kidnappings.

(With inputs from AFP, VOA)