’40 killed’ as gunmen attack Plateau community

Gunmen have reportedly attacked Zurak village in Wase LGA of Plateau state.

According to Daily Trust, residents of the community said the bandits attacked at about 5pm on Monday and killed more than 40 persons, including vigilantes.

The residents said they could not immediately report the incident due to the poor communication network in the area.

Sahpi’i Sambo, a youth leader in the area, said the bandits arrived the community on motorcycles while brandishing sophisticated weapons.

He said the bandits would go on to shoot sporadically during the attack.

“More than 40 people were killed while many were injured. Residents of the village have fled to neighbouring communities for cover. As of yesterday, security personnel had not yet arrived at the community. It was deadly,” Sambo was quoted as saying.

When TheCable reached out to Alabo Alfred, the Plateau state police spokesperson, he declined to verbally confirm the incident but said the police was gathering more information and would make its findings known later.

The latest incident adds to the worrisome spate of violent attacks on communities in Plateau.

On April 18, gunmen killed at least 12 people in Tilengpat community of Pushit district in Mangu LGA of Plateau.

Days before, gunmen killed at least 10 residents of Mandar Shar and Kopnanle villages under Mangu and Bokkos LGAs.

Several villagers were injured, with the attackers destroying a slew of properties.