No fewer than 13 persons, including three pregnant women and several children, have been killed in a fresh attack by suspected gunmen on Ngbra Zongo community in Kwall District of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attack reportedly occurred in the early hours of Friday, leaving many residents injured and forcing others to flee for safety.
Residents said the assailants invaded the community at about 2:00 a.m., shooting indiscriminately before attacking victims with machetes and other dangerous weapons.
A resident, Philip Alanga, said the attackers moved from house to house, targeting innocent villagers and causing widespread panic.
“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,” he said.
Another resident, Chigoji Rocku, disclosed that three pregnant women were among those killed during the attack.
The Secretary General of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Danjuma Auta, confirmed the incident and described the killings as tragic and condemnable.
Auta lamented the recurring attacks on communities in Bassa Local Government Area and other parts of Plateau State, urging security agencies to strengthen surveillance and provide adequate protection for vulnerable communities.
He also called on security operatives to arrest those behind the attack and ensure they are brought to justice to prevent further bloodshed.
Also reacting to the incident, Asama condemned the killings, describing them as horrific, inhuman, and unacceptable.
According to him, the continued targeting of defenseless citizens by terrorists represents a serious threat to peace, security, and the collective conscience of society.
He stressed that repeated acts of violence against peaceful communities in Plateau State must be brought to an end.
As of the time of filing this report, a mass burial has been conducted for the victims, while those injured are receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.
The Plateau State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement confirming the attack as of press time.
