More than 40 people were killed during a midnight attack on the Zike community in Bassa, Plateau State, as violence by armed groups continues to escalate in north-central Nigeria.
The attack, which erupted around midnight on Monday and lasted nearly two hours, resulted in significant casualties and mass displacement, according to local sources.
Joseph Chudu Yonkpa, national publicity secretary of the Irigwe Youth Movement, reported that about 1,000 residents have been forced to flee their homes. He added that many of the injured are currently receiving treatment at Jos University Teaching Hospital and nearby clinics.
Plateau State Police Command spokesperson Alfred Alubo confirmed the incident but said the total number of casualties was still being verified. Authorities are expected to release a detailed statement once investigations are complete.
The Zike community has been the target of several attacks in recent weeks, with over 20 people killed in earlier incidents before Monday’s deadly raid.
“We are living in fear. We urgently need help from the government and security forces. The violence by these militias goes far beyond simple ambushes,” said local resident Peter Mba.
Despite recent assurances of improved security by Army Chief of Staff Olufemi Oluyede and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu during their visits to Plateau State, deadly attacks have continued unabated.