Unconfirmed reports say at least 200 corpses of those killed last night in sustained herdsmen attacks on Central Nigerian villages have been recovered.
Though Police authorities place the figure at 11, the 200 corpses according to security sources were recovered by military Search and Rescue forces from over five villages in Plateau's Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The villages given as Xland, Gindin Akwati, Ruku, Nghar, Kura Falls and Kakuruk all in Gashish district as well as Rakok, Kok and Razat villages all in Ropp district.
According to the source, Xland, Gindin Akwati, Kura Falls, Nghar and Ruku villages were completely sacked by the armed herders.
In Nghar village alone, about 70 corpses were recovered as the entire village was razed down.
Ruku village was equally razed down according to him but with no idea of casualties.
In Xland and Gindi Akwati villages where many survivors were believed to still be hiding in the bushes during the search operation, over 60 people were killed.
"Many people are still trapped in the bushes with no help for food, security, shelter or even medication.
"There isn't anyone to help evacuate them from the troubled area because the security authorities themselves are not responsive," he said.
MKB made contacts with some victims of the attack in Kakuruk village where it gathered that the STF men on ground could only secure lives but not properties.
Several houses including a Church and a top Pastor's house were burnt down in the village with one death recorded, it was learnt.
According to the sources, over 200 people were taking refuge in the STF base in the village expecting evacuation.
Security authorities had since yesterday assured of neutralizing threats before they escalated.
A top STF officer had also reported deploying "heavy reinforcements" to the troubled areas earlier today.
Sources in Xland village had cried that the STF personbel therein had complained of having insufficient equipment to work with.
Sources in the Presidency however say the claims were part of a plan to allow the militant Fulani have a field day, terrorizing the unarmed civilian population to forcefully secure a grazing field.
Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs have been under sustained attacks for the past eight years with nearly 50 villages sacked so far.
The member representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal constituency in the Nigerian House of Reps, Istifanus Gyang has described the latest reign of terror in the area as senseless bloodbath.
The Plateau State Government has also said it is deeply pained that "despite concerted efforts which had led to the restoration of relative peace across the state, some unpatriotic elements are bent on disrupting the gains so far made."
A statement by the State Commissioner for Information, Yakubu Dati today condemned the attacks assuring government had mobilised the "full compliments of security forces who are restoring normalcy in the affected areas and the environs."
While his statement was being circulated however, reports filtered in that more attacks were ongoing in unsecured communities even while the search and rescue operation launched by the STF was on.
"They allow the securities to move to one direction and strike again in another direction where security attention is absent," a source in one of the affected villages said.
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