Five traders from the Dogon Ruwa community in the Bashar district of Wase Local Government Area in Plateau State were kidnapped during a bandit attack on a local market.
The event took place on Monday morning, coinciding with the market day, when a significant number of traders and buyers from surrounding areas were engaged in their business activities.
Residents who managed to escape reported that the assailants arrived in large numbers on motorcycles just as trading was at its peak.
They fired shots indiscriminately, causing chaos as traders and locals rushed for safety, prompting many to abandon the market and their homes.
During the assault, the bandits broke into and looted several shops and business centers, stealing substantial amounts of food items, essential goods, and medications.
Abdullahi Isma’il, whose shop was impacted, recounted the event.
“They stormed the area, almost surrounding the community, and started shooting. Some of them went directly to the market, where they picked five shop owners. We believe they targeted the market day to steal food items,” Abdullahi explained.
The market serves as a significant trading hub, drawing hundreds of visitors from neighboring communities, offering services and a variety of food items, including grains, flour, rice, beans, drinks, and other products.
The villages in Wase, particularly those in Bashar district, have been experiencing a rise in bandit attacks, leading to loss of lives and property.
This latest incident adds to the alarming number of abductions and assaults in Plateau.
In recent months, hundreds have been killed, and many others displaced due to assaults on several communities in the North-Central state.
In response to the surge in violence, Governor Caleb Muftwang described these acts as genocidal and an attempt at land grabbing. While the identities of the attackers remain unclear, he noted that some of them speak foreign languages.