At least 45 people have been confirmed dead, and many others injured, following a brutal attack on Zike Kimakpa community in the Kwall District of Irigwe Chiefdom, Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The attack, which occurred late Sunday night, has plunged the community into mourning, leaving a trail of grief, destruction, and fear. Reports from community sources indicate that approximately 30 houses were set ablaze by heavily armed gunmen who stormed the area and opened fire indiscriminately, causing widespread panic.
Danjuma Dickson Auta, Secretary General of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), confirmed the incident in a telephone interview. He revealed that over 45 bodies had already been recovered, cautioning that the number could still rise as rescue efforts continue.
Auta described the assault as highly organized and calculated, asserting that the attackers acted with strategic intent and deadly coordination.
Government Reaction
The Plateau State Government has strongly condemned the attack, describing it as both unprovoked and deeply troubling.
Hon. Joyce Ramnap, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, labeled the incident as “one too many” and warned that the recurring violence poses a serious threat to the lives and livelihoods of the state’s peace-loving residents.
“It is heartbreaking that less than two weeks after our people were killed in Bokkos Local Government, we are witnessing another tragedy in Bassa,” she stated. “This is clearly an attempt to undermine the fragile peace that has been gradually returning to Plateau.”
Ramnap called on residents of the affected communities to remain calm and vigilant, assuring them that the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang is fully committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
She also strongly discouraged any acts of retaliation, urging security agencies to intensify efforts in apprehending those responsible for what she described as heinous crimes against humanity.
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