The death toll from the recent attacks by Fulani herdsmen in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas of Plateau State has hit 28 while an estimated 2,000 persons have been displaced from their homes.

The attacks which started last week continued in the early hours of Saturday when another four persons were reportedly killed in their sleep after armed herdsmen invaded Laake village in Kwall district of Bassa LGA.

Honourable Sunday Abdul, the National President of the Irigwe Development Association while confirming the incident said the gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen stormed the village in a commando-like operation, killing four persons.

The recent spate of killings started on Wednesday when gunmen in their hundreds invaded Dafo and Josho villages in Bassa, killing 18 persons while two others died on their way to the hospital, even as several others still remain unaccounted for.

Worst hit by the attacks are Ngakudung, Farunhai, Mhorok, Ganda and Warrem – Hotom. Also hit were Maidunna and Josho communities where Senator Joshua Dariye (APC, Plateau Central)  last week donated relief materials following an attack on the village last month.

The Councillor representing Dafo ward, Hon. Danjuma Mabas said apart from the 20 persons who were given mass burial on Saturday, several others were still missing, adding that over 50 houses were razed during the attacks.

“The attackers swooped on the two villages in large numbers ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Plateau State, having got wind of the fact that the security men had been withdrawn to provide security to the President,” Mabas said.

He added: “As of Friday evening, no fewer than 20 people were killed, 50 houses were burnt while many other persons are still missing.”