Forty Killed In Brutal Attack On Plateau State Community.
A devastating attack has claimed the lives of at least 40 people in Zike community, Kimakpa, located in the Kwall district of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State. The assault, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, saw armed assailants storm the village and open fire indiscriminately on residents.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers struck while many were still asleep, shooting at those attempting to flee for safety. Security forces reportedly arrived from a nearby community and succeeded in repelling the assailants, but by then, the damage had already been done.
Thirty-six people were confirmed dead at the scene, with four more succumbing to their injuries later in hospital. Several others are receiving medical treatment for gunshot wounds and other injuries sustained during the attack.
The latest violence comes just days after similar deadly assaults in Bokkos Local Government Area, raising fresh concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Plateau State. Despite the scale of the incident, no official statement has yet been issued by the security agencies.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who recently visited several affected communities, expressed deep concern over the spate of attacks and the apparent inability of security forces to protect residents. In a recent interview, he revealed that no fewer than 64 communities across the state have now been overtaken by bandits.
“I can tell you in all honesty that I cannot find any explanation other than genocide sponsored by terrorists,” Governor Mutfwang said. “The question is, who are the persons behind the organisers of this terrorism? This is what the security agencies must help us to unravel.”
He added, “We must come to the point where we know the sponsors because it is not just the work of ordinary people. This is being sponsored from somewhere.”
In response to the recent surge in violence, the Inspector General of Police has deployed tactical squads and additional assets to bolster security in the state. However, many residents remain fearful, calling for urgent and coordinated action to bring the violence to an end and restore peace.
The tragic events in Zike have reignited nationwide calls for improved intelligence, swift justice, and lasting solutions to the insecurity that continues to plague parts of Nigeria.
