At least forty people have been confirmed dead following a brutal attack by unknown assailants on Zike community, Kimakpa, in the Kwall district of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The attack occurred early on Monday morning, throwing the village into turmoil as gunmen stormed the area and opened fire on unsuspecting residents.
Many villagers, shocked by the sudden gunshots, tried to flee, but were caught in the barrage of bullets.
Wakili Tongwe, a community leader, spoke to Channels Television and shared that he and some security personnel were on patrol in a neighboring community when the assault 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.”
This attack is part of a worrying rise in violence in Plateau State, occurring less than two weeks after a similar attack in Bokkos Local Government Area, which claimed the lives of 52 residents.
The Plateau State Government has condemned the attack, expressing deep concern over the growing violence. Joyce Ramnap, Commissioner for Information and Communication, called the incident “one too many” and warned that such attacks posed a grave 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, reassuring them that Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration was committed to holding the perpetrators accountable.
“The government will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone or group found responsible for these heinous acts,” she added, warning against any retaliatory actions.
As of now, security agencies have yet to issue an official statement regarding the attack.