Plateau State in North Central Nigeria has been plagued by violent attacks, killings, and kidnappings, resulting in significant loss of life and displacement of people.
By EMMANUEL BENSON, Jos –
A serene Christmas Eve morning in the village of Fat Makada, Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, was shattered by a horrific attack that claimed lives, destroyed homes, and displaced countless families. The coordinated assault, carried out by gunmen dressed in camouflage caps, has left residents traumatized and raised serious questions about the absence of security intervention during the crisis.
The attack on Fat Makada was not an isolated incident. It formed part of a wave of coordinated assaults across Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi LGAs on Christmas Eve 2023, a night now remembered across Nigeria as the Bokkos killings. Over 38 communities were hit, with estimates placing the death toll between 96 and 150 people. More than 220 homes were burned, and over 1,000 families displaced. Fat Makada, like many other communities, was caught in a night of unspeakable horror.
The massacre began abruptly, transforming the festive atmosphere into one of terror and grief. “It was a quiet and peaceful morning as we prepared for Christmas,” a resident recalled. “Suddenly, there were large screams and gunshots that brought fear and anxiety.”
The assailants, described as ruthless and well-organized, opened fire without mercy and set homes ablaze, leaving a trail of destruction. Numerous residents were killed, and many families were rendered homeless as their properties were reduced to ashes.
A local, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns, alleged possible military involvement, citing the attackers’ camouflage caps and coordinated tactics. “These armed men were dressed in camouflage caps and acted with precision,” the resident stated. “During the attack, there was no help from any security agencies while it lasted.” That absence of response — echoed across many of the affected communities — has deepened mistrust and fueled speculation among survivors, who feel abandoned in the face of such violence.
In the aftermath, questions have continued to mount. Survivors and community leaders alike are demanding answers: Why was there no intervention while the attacks raged for hours? Why have no perpetrators been brought to justice months after the killings? What is the value of a citizen’s life in a state where communities can be wiped out overnight with little more than condolences to follow?
The Fat Makada tragedy — and the larger Bokkos Christmas Eve massacre underscore Nigeria’s persistent and painful security failures. It is a chilling reminder that for many rural communities in Plateau State and beyond, peace remains fragile, and justice elusive.
Emmanuel Benson is a
Human Rights Activist, Social Commentator & Public Affairs Analyst
