At least 40 people have been killed in a fresh attack by gunmen on Zike community in Kimakpa, Kwall District of Bassa Local Government Area in Plateau State.
According to community leader Wakili Tongwe, the attackers stormed the village in the early hours of Monday, opening fire on residents who were fleeing after hearing gunshots.
Tongwe, who spoke to Channels Television via phone, said he and a team of vigilantes, along with some security operatives, were patrolling a nearby community when the assault began. Despite efforts by the security team to repel the attackers, the onslaught resulted in 36 immediate fatalities, with four more victims dying later from injuries.
Several other residents sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
Security Agencies Yet to Respond
As of the time of this report, security agencies in Plateau State have not officially commented on the attack, which comes less than two weeks after 52 people were killed in similar coordinated assaults in Bokkos Local Government Area.
Ongoing Violence in Plateau
Plateau State has long been plagued by violence, with gunmen frequently targeting rural communities. In December 2023, over 200 people were killed during Christmas celebrations in a massacre that shocked the nation. In May 2023, another 40 people were killed in Wase, and homes were burned down.
While clashes between farmers and herders are often cited as the root cause of the violence, Governor Caleb Mutfwang believes the situation is more sinister.
“I can tell you in all honesty that I cannot find any explanation other than genocide sponsored by terrorists,” Mutfwang said in a recent interview with Channels TV. “The question is, who are the people behind the organisers of this terrorism? That is what security agencies must help us uncover.”
Communities Overtaken by Bandits
Governor Mutfwang further revealed that over 64 communities in the state have been seized by bandits.
“As I speak, no fewer than 64 communities have been taken over between Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom local government areas,” he said. “These places have been renamed, and people are now occupying lands from which the original inhabitants were forcefully displaced.”
FG Promises Action
In response to the rising wave of attacks, the Federal Government has vowed to take decisive action. Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate and comprehensive deployment of tactical police units to the affected areas of the state.
