At least seven persons were confirmed dead on Monday after bandits attacked a market in the Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The assault occurred at Zurak Compani Market on Sunday afternoon, causing injuries to numerous individuals.
Abdullahi Hussaini, a youth leader in the community, verified the incident on Monday, stating that the bandits arrived at the bustling market around 2 pm and indiscriminately opened fire on the people conducting their business, resulting in the fatalities.
Hussaini said, “The gunmen arrived in the market in their numbers, riding on motorcycles. They started shooting sporadically, killing seven people instantly while many others were injured.
“The gunmen successfully launched the attack and fled without any resistance because people were not expecting any security threat at the moment. They later fled to the bush but police personnel have been deployed in the community to restore law and other.”
The spokesperson for the state police command, Alfred Alabo, confirmed the attack but said four and not seven persons were killed.
Alabo said, “We are aware of the Zurak Compani incident, Four persons died and six persons, who were injured, are receiving treatment. Meanwhile, we have deployed our men to the area while investigation continues.”
According to reports, the Wase LGA situated over 200 kilometres from Jos had suffered several bandit attacks and kidnaps in the past. The community knew a brief reprieve before the Sunday attack.