Fresh violence has again rocked Plateau State following a deadly overnight attack on Ngbra Zongo community in Kwall District of Bassa Local Government Area, where suspected gunmen reportedly killed at least 13 people.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, also left several residents injured and forced many others to flee their homes in panic.
A resident of the area, Mr Philip Alanga, told journalists in Jos that the assailants stormed the community around midnight, shooting sporadically before attacking residents with machetes and other dangerous weapons.
According to him, the attackers went from one house to another, targeting unsuspecting residents and leaving behind widespread destruction.
“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 villagers escaped into surrounding bushes to save their lives, while those injured were left in desperate need of medical attention.
Reacting to the incident, the Secretary General of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Mr Danjuma Auta, condemned the killings, describing the attack as tragic, barbaric and unacceptable.
Auta expressed concern over the recurring wave of violence across communities in Bassa Local Government Area and other parts of Plateau State, urging security agencies to intensify surveillance and strengthen protection for vulnerable rural settlements.
He also called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killings to prevent further attacks in the area.
Efforts to obtain official reaction from the police proved unsuccessful, as calls placed to the spokesperson were not answered as of the time of filing this report.
The latest incident comes barely days after another deadly attack in Nding Susut community, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, where five persons were reportedly killed and three others injured on Tuesday night.
Police authorities confirmed the incident, while residents said the attackers invaded the community around 8 p.m. and opened fire on people gathered outside their homes.
A resident, Weng Christopher, told Channels Television that the gunmen attacked members of a family who were seated in their compound, causing fear and confusion across the area.
He said one of the victims initially escaped the assault but was later tracked down 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.
Also reacting, the Publicity Secretary of Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, condemned the killings and described the repeated attacks as deeply 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.