Breaking News: 45 Killed, Many Injured in Plateau Attack

At least 45 people have been confirmed dead, with numerous others injured, following a violent assault on the Zike Kimakpa community in the Kwall District of Irigwe Chiefdom, Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State.

The attack, which took place late Sunday night, has left the community in mourning and despair.

Reports indicate that the attackers, heavily armed, set fire to approximately 30 homes while firing indiscriminately at residents. A local source revealed that the gunmen invaded the area and began shooting at random, sparking panic and chaos among the villagers.

Danjuma Dickson Auta, Secretary-General of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), confirmed the tragedy during a phone interview, stating that over 45 bodies have been recovered, with the death toll still rising.

According to Auta, the attack appeared to be a well-coordinated and deliberate assault on the community, based on its scale and precision.

In response to the attack, the Plateau State Government has issued a strong condemnation. Hon. Joyce Ramnap, the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, expressed her sorrow over the incident, labeling it yet another unprovoked attack on innocent civilians. She stated that such violence threatens the safety and well-being of the state’s peaceful residents.

“This is heartbreaking,” Ramnap said. “Only two weeks ago, we mourned the loss of lives in Bokkos Local Government, and now, we are faced with another tragedy in Bassa Local Government.” She stressed that these repeated attacks are an effort to destabilize the fragile peace the state has worked hard to restore.

Ramnap also called for calm and vigilance among the residents, particularly those in the affected communities. She reiterated the government’s commitment to holding accountable anyone responsible for these heinous acts and ensuring justice is served.

The Commissioner urged the people not to resort to reprisals but instead to trust the security forces to track down and bring the perpetrators to justice.