Suspected gunmen have reportedly killed at least 13 persons in a fresh attack on Ngbra Zongo community in Kwall District of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, left several residents injured and threw the community into panic.
A resident, Philip Alanga, said the attackers stormed the community around midnight, shooting indiscriminately before attacking residents with machetes and other dangerous weapons.
According to him, the assailants moved from house to house, killing innocent residents and destroying property in the process.
“They came into the community around midnight and started shooting and hacking people to death. They moved from one house to another, attacking innocent people,” Alanga said.
He added that many residents fled into nearby bushes to escape the attack, while others sustained injuries and were rushed for medical treatment.
Confirming the incident, the Secretary General of the Irigwe Development Association, Danjuma Auta, condemned the killings, describing the attack as barbaric and tragic.
Auta expressed concern over the recurring attacks in Bassa Local Government Area and other parts of Plateau State, urging security agencies to intensify surveillance and improve protection for rural communities.
He also called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attack to prevent further violence in the area.
Efforts to get a response from the police were unsuccessful as calls to security officials were not answered as of the time of filing this report.
The latest attack comes days after gunmen attacked the Nding Susut community in Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, killing five persons and injuring three others.
Residents said the attackers invaded the community around 8 p.m. on Tuesday and opened fire on residents who were seated outside their homes.
A community member, Weng Christopher, said one of the victims attempted to escape but was later chased and killed by the attackers.
“This is becoming too frequent. People are living in constant fear. We can no longer sleep peacefully because these attacks keep happening,” Christopher said.
The Publicity Secretary of Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, also condemned the killings and described the repeated attacks as disturbing.
