Bandits in large numbers reportedly attacked a Plateau community, Zurak village, in the Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area, killing more than 40 people, including vigilantes.
According to residents of the community, the incident happened on Monday, 20 May 2024, around 5 pm.
The residents said they could not immediately report the attack due to the poor communication network in the area.
A youth leader in the area, Sahpi’i Sambo, confirmed that the bandits arrived at the community on motorcycles with sophisticated weapons and started shooting sporadically.
“More than 40 people were killed while many were injured,” he said. “Residents of the village have fled to neighbouring communities for cover.”
He added that as of yesterday, security personnel had not yet arrived in the community.
Monday’s attack on Zurak village is the latest by bandits on a community in Plateau.
In March, at least seven people were confirmed dead after bandits attacked a market in the Wase Local Government Area.
The attack, which happened at Zurak Compani Market, also left several others injured.
Also in April, bandits attacked two villages, Mandung-Mushu and Kopnanle, in Plateau State and killed no fewer than 10 people.
The attacks left several people injured, with property, including the the homes of the villagers, set ablaze.
