In a dramatic turn of events, protesters set ablaze the palace of the District Head of Bokkos Saf Adanchin on Friday during demonstrations against what they perceived as indiscriminate arrests in the wake of recent killings in the Plateau community. The discontented crowd, comprised mainly of youths and women, initially expressed their displeasure over the arrest of community members connected to the assaults by rallying at the Joint Security Task Force Operation Safe Haven base and the Divisional Police Office in Bokkos.
The situation escalated into violence when the demonstrators, having overwhelmed security personnel, proceeded to the district head’s palace, where they set the building and vehicles within the premises on fire. As of now, police authorities in the state have not issued any statements on the matter, though they had earlier confirmed the arrest of eight individuals in connection with the Christmas Eve attacks.
Meanwhile, the Bokkos Progressive Youths accused security operatives of bias since the Christmas Eve attacks, condemning the continuous violation of human rights in a statement by its president, Luka Tulladem. The statement highlighted the arrest, detention, and brutalization of victims who managed to escape the attacks.
This protest is the latest in a series following the simultaneous attacks on communities in the Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local government areas, which claimed over 200 lives and resulted in the destruction of hundreds of houses and farmlands in the North-Central State. The Christmas Eve attacks garnered condemnation globally, prompting President Bola Tinubu to order a probe, while Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang called for united efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
Vice President Kashim Shettima visited the affected area, urging residents to resist sectional divisions and hatred while pursuing justice. Pope Francis also extended prayers for the victims of the violence, expressing hope for Nigeria’s liberation from such horrors.
