Suspected gunmen have killed at least 13 people and injured several others in a fresh attack on Ngbra Zongo community in Kwall District, Plateau State.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, threw the community in Bassa Local Government Area into panic, forcing residents to flee for safety.
An eyewitness, Philip Alanga, said the attackers stormed the community around midnight, opening fire indiscriminately and attacking residents with machetes and other weapons.
“They came into the community around midnight and started shooting and hacking people to death. They moved from one house to another, attacking innocent people,” he said.
Alanga added that many residents escaped into nearby bushes, while several others sustained injuries and were left in urgent need of medical attention.
The Secretary-General of the Irigwe Development Association, Danjuma Auta, confirmed the attack and described it as barbaric and deeply distressing.
He lamented the recurring violence in Bassa and other parts of Plateau State, calling on security agencies to strengthen surveillance and protect vulnerable communities.
Auta also urged security operatives to track down the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice to prevent further attacks.
Attempts to reach police authorities for official reaction were unsuccessful as of press time.
The latest incident comes just days after another attack in the region.
On Tuesday, gunmen reportedly killed five persons and injured three others in Nding Susut community in Fan District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
Residents said the attackers stormed the area at about 8 p.m., opening fire on people seated outside their homes, triggering widespread panic.
A community member, Weng Christopher, said one victim initially escaped but was later tracked down and killed by the attackers.
He lamented the repeated violence, saying residents now live in constant fear due to the frequency of such attacks.
Publicity Secretary of Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, also condemned the killings, describing them as disturbing and unacceptable.
He said gunmen attacked a family seated outside their compound, adding that insecurity in the area has become increasingly alarming for residents.
