No fewer than forty residents have been confirmed dead following a fresh attack by unknown assailants on Zike community, Kimakpa in the Kwall district of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, threw the village into chaos as gunmen reportedly stormed the area and opened fire on unsuspecting residents.
Many villagers, startled by the sound of gunshots, attempted to flee but were caught in the hail of bullets.
A community leader, Wakili Tongwe, who spoke to Channels Television said he and some security personnel were on patrol in a neighbouring community when the attack began.
“Though our team engaged the attackers and repelled them, the damage had already been done,” he said.
“We lost thirty-six people on the spot, and four others later died from their injuries. Several others are currently receiving treatment for gunshot wounds.”
Monday’s incident adds to a growing list of deadly assaults in Plateau State, coming barely two weeks after a similar attack in Bokkos Local Government Area claimed the lives of 52 residents.
Reacting to the latest violence, the Plateau State Government expressed deep concern and condemnation.
Commissioner for Information and Communication Joyce Ramnap described the attack as “one too many” and warned that the increasing violence posed an existential threat to the state’s peace-loving citizens.
“It is sad that in less than two weeks after our people were killed in Bokkos, we are faced with another horrific attack in Bassa,” Ramnap said. “This is an attempt to puncture the peace that has gradually returned to the State.”
She urged residents to remain calm and vigilant while assuring that the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang is committed to holding perpetrators accountable.
“The government will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone or group found responsible for these heinous acts,” she added, cautioning against reprisals.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on the attack.
