Bandits have killed at least seven people in separate attacks in Plateau and Zamfara states, leaving several others missing and deepening fears over the worsening security situation in the affected communities.
In Plateau state, the gun-wielding terrorists, locally dubbed as bandits, on Friday night launched a deadly attack on Bong village in Doemak District, Qua’an Pan Local Government Area, killing at least seven people and leaving several others injured.
Eyewitnesses who spoke with Sahara Reporters said the attackers invaded the community while residents were fast asleep, unleashing terror in a house-to-house assault that left women, children and elderly villagers particularly vulnerable.
Survivors described the assailants as heavily armed, striking swiftly and disappearing into the night.
A native of the area, Justin Mari, told SaharaReporters that the casualty figure may rise, as some villagers are still unaccounted for.
“As I speak with you, I can confirm that more than seven persons have been killed. Many others sustained injuries, and some people are still missing,” Mari said.
The incident was confirmed by Danaan Cletus Sylvanus, Director of Press and Publicity to the Executive Chairman of Qua’an Pan Local Government Council, Christopher Audu Manship.
However, he said the exact number of fatalities could not yet be officially determined.
In a separate incident in Zamfara State, bandits ambushed travellers along the Danjibga–Kuncin Kalgo road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State on Friday, setting two vehicles ablaze and abducting all the passengers on board.
It was gathered that the assailants blocked the road before unleashing the attack.
The bandits reportedly set two vehicles ablaze after seizing their occupants, whose whereabouts remain unknown as of Saturday.
A security alert platform, Bakatsine, confirmed the incident on Saturday, noting that the attack once again highlights the persistent insecurity on major roads across Zamfara State.
Residents in both states have called on the federal and state governments to urgently deploy more security personnel to the affected areas to prevent further attacks and secure the release of the abducted passengers.
As of press time, security agencies are yet to issue official statements on the incidents