Nine killed during gunmen attack of Plateau communities, say police

The Plateau state police command says nine persons were killed in Zurak and Dakai communities in Wase LGA on Monday. 

Gunmen attacked Zurak village at about 5pm on Monday and reportedly killed more than 40 persons.

Some 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 attackers arrived the community on motorbikes while brandishing sophisticated weapons.

He added that the assailants shot sporadically during the attack.

In a statement on Wednesday, Alfred Alabo, the state police spokesperson, said the bandits met an “aggressive onslaught” by a combined team of security operatives.

He said the bandits also burnt down six houses.

“Some of the bandits were killed and one arrested at the Bangalala forest in Wase which is a border between Plateau, Bauchi and Taraba States,” he said.

“Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police has deployed more personnel to the area and directed the Area Commander of Langtang to relocate to Wase with immediate effect.

“One of the bandits who escaped and went to seek treatment at a hospital in Wase was arrested with gunshot wounds.

“He has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.”

He said the commissioner commiserated with those who lost their loved ones and assured residents of the command’s readiness to secure lives and property in the state.