Fresh violence has rocked Plateau State after suspected gunmen reportedly killed at least 13 people during an attack on Ngbra Zongo community in Kwall District, Bassa Local Government Area.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, also left several residents injured and sparked panic across the community.
A resident, Mr. Philip Alanga, told journalists in Jos that the attackers stormed the area around midnight, firing gunshots indiscriminately before assaulting residents with machetes and other dangerous weapons.
According to him, the assailants moved from one house to another, attacking residents and leaving widespread destruction behind.
“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 violence, while others sustained serious injuries and required urgent medical treatment.
Confirming the incident, the Secretary General of the Irigwe Development Association, Mr. Danjuma Auta, described the attack as barbaric and tragic.
Auta expressed concern over the repeated attacks on communities in Bassa Local Government Area and other parts of Plateau State, urging security agencies to improve surveillance and provide stronger protection for rural communities.
He also called on security operatives to identify and arrest those responsible for the killings to prevent further violence in the area.
Attempts to get an official response from the police were unsuccessful as calls to police authorities did not connect as of the time of filing this report.
Earlier Attack in Barkin Ladi
The latest attack comes days after gunmen reportedly invaded the Nding Susut community in Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on Tuesday, killing five people and injuring three others, according to police authorities.
Residents said the attackers stormed the community around 8 p.m. and opened fire on people sitting outside their homes.
A community member, Weng Christopher, told Channels Television that the attackers targeted members of a family seated in their compound, causing fear and confusion across the area.
According to him, one of the victims initially escaped but was later chased down and killed by the assailants.
“This is becoming too frequent. People are living in constant fear. We can no longer sleep peacefully because these attacks keep happening,” Christopher said.
Reacting to the incident, the Publicity Secretary of Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, condemned the killings and described the persistent attacks as disturbing.
“The gunmen came around 8 p.m. and attacked members of a family who were sitting outside. One person ran away but was later traced and killed,” Tengwong said.
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