Many have been killed and homes razed as bandits have invaded the Plateau Community.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that suspected bandits, numbering in the dozens, have launched an attack on Zurak village in Bashar District of Wase local government area, Plateau state.
The assault resulted in the deaths of over 40 residents, including vigilantes, and left several others injured.
This Nigeria news platform learned that the gunmen also set fire to numerous houses during their rampage.
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Residents reported that the attack took place around 7 pm on Monday, as the community was engaged in their usual evening activities.
However, due to the poor communication network in the area, they were unable to report the incident promptly.
Sahpi’i Sambo, a youth leader in the area, confirmed the incident to our correspondent.
He reported that the bandits arrived on motorcycles, with two riders per bike, and began shooting indiscriminately at the residents with sophisticated weapons.
He said: “More than 40 people were killed while many others were injured. Residents of the village have fled to neighbouring communities to have cover. As of yesterday, security personnel had not yet arrived at the community. It was a deadly attack.”
Hamza, a resident of the area, confirmed to The Nation over the phone this morning that Zurak village has long been plagued by banditry.
He said that the bandits have been targeting the local mining company in this border town between the Wase and Kanam areas, which has been reported as a terrorist camp.
He noted that on Monday night, a large group of bandits invaded the community, similar to what has been occurring in Zamfara, to demand their usual tax.
However, the residents, particularly those near the mining company, refused to pay.
This refusal triggered a violent confrontation, as the villagers were fed up with the extortion.
The situation escalated into a gun battle, with the bandits threatening to annihilate the villagers.
Again, Hamza, further told The Nation, that one Isa Musa also a resident of the community, said about seven residents were abducted, while over 40 were killed.
Efforts made to get the spokespersons of the state police command, DSP Alabo Alfred, and OPSH Major Samson are unsuccessful at the time of this report.
