Around 200 people killed in Christmas Eve attacks on remote villages in Nigeria

At least 190 people were killed and others are missing after a series of attacks by gunmen on remote villages in north-central Nigeria’s Plateau state.

Officials and survivors confirmed the Christmas Eve attacks. People said the gangs launched “well-coordinated” attacks in “not fewer than 20 different communities” and torched houses on Saturday and Sunday. Gunfire was still heard on Monday morning. Citizens already call it a “Black Christmas”.

More than 300 wounded people have reportedly been taken to hospitals. There are fears of a higher death toll as some people remain unaccounted for.

Witnesses said it took more than 12 hours before security agencies responded.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, though blame fell on herders from the Fulani tribe, who have been carrying out such mass killings of Christians across the northwest and central regions.