The death toll from the Plateau state attack in North Central Nigeria has risen to one hundred and forty-eight according to a local elected official.

 Monday Kassa, Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area, one of the worst affected areas, said the toll marked a sharp rise from the initial figure reported by the army on Sunday evening of just 115 dead.

Plateau has been plagued for several years by religious and ethnic tensions but lately, it’s been battling an increasing incursion by armed men locally known as Bandits.

Meanwhile, the police force has deployed officers and promised prompt investigations into the killings following a visit by Vice President Kashim Shettima to the 38 raided communities by the attackers on Sunday.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Olumoyiwa Adejobi is a Public Relations Officer for the Nigerian Police.