Remote Villages in Plateau’s Wase District Targeted in Deadly Late-Night Raid
Plateau State, Nigeria — Armed men launched a brutal attack on remote villages in northcentral Nigeria’s Plateau State, resulting in the deaths of at least a dozen villagers during a late-night raid, authorities reported on Tuesday. The assailants struck the Zurak community in Wase district, causing widespread panic and forcing many residents to flee into nearby bushes.
The incident marks another tragic episode in the region’s long-standing conflict, which has seen hundreds killed over the years. The violence is primarily attributed to the ongoing struggle for control over water and land between nomadic herders and rural farmers.
While government officials confirmed twelve casualties to The Associated Press, local reports suggested a significantly higher death toll. The Punch newspaper cited witnesses who claimed that at least 40 people were killed in the attack on Monday night.
“We are trying to comb the area to see whether we have more casualties or people with bullet wounds,” stated Musa Ashoms, the state commissioner for information. The attackers, who were riding motorcycles, opened fire on the villagers, causing chaos and widespread fear.
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The latest attack follows a security operation aimed at targeting the hideouts of these armed groups, with the intention to “wipe them out of the area,” according to Idris Wase, a federal legislator from the district. Despite these efforts, the attackers managed to carry out their deadly mission and evade capture.
This incident is part of a disturbing pattern of raids in the region, where nomadic herders and rural farmers are locked in a protracted battle over vital resources. These conflicts have often resulted in significant loss of life and property, with the authorities struggling to maintain peace and security.
Local residents have expressed deep concerns about the recurring nature of these attacks and the apparent inability of security forces to respond in a timely manner. “The assailants can attack villages for hours and escape before security forces arrive on the scene,” said a local resident who wished to remain anonymous.
The violence in Plateau State is part of a broader context of insecurity in Nigeria, where various regions face different forms of violence and unrest. In December, similar attacks in the region resulted in the deaths of at least 140 residents over a span of two days, affecting more than a dozen communities.
Authorities are continuing their efforts to search the affected areas for additional casualties and survivors. However, the lack of immediate arrests following such attacks continues to be a point of frustration and concern for the local population.
“We need more proactive measures and timely intervention from our security forces to prevent these tragedies,” urged another local leader.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of yet another devastating attack, the call for stronger security measures and effective conflict resolution strategies grows louder. The government faces increasing pressure to address the root causes of these conflicts and to implement sustainable solutions that can bring lasting peace to the troubled region.
Source: Africa News