96 killed in central Nigeria attacks

Nigerian police on Tuesday confirmed that at least 96 people were killed in a series of attacks on villages in the country's central region, reported Xinhua.

The coordinated attacks took place on Christmas Eve in 15 communities across Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local government areas of Plateau State, Alfred Alabo, the state's police spokesperson, told reporters in the state capital of Jos.

At least 221 houses were set ablaze and destroyed during the attacks on Sunday, Alabo said.

He said a total of 12 villages were attacked in Bokkos, while three communities were affected in Barkin-Ladi. "More than 79 persons were killed in Bokkos and 17 others killed in Barkin-Ladi."

According to him, the police have already launched an investigation into the killings.

The recent killing 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.