The death toll from the recent attack by gunmen suspected to be bandits, on the communities of Zurak and Bankalala in the Bashar District of Wase local government area, Plateau State, has risen to at least 50 residents.
The attack occurred around 7 PM on Monday as residents were going about their usual activities. Due to the poor communication network in the area, reporting the incident was delayed. Initially, the death toll was reported at 40, but it increased to 50 by last night.
Victims of the attack included vigilantes and other residents, with several houses set ablaze by the assailants who came on motorcycles.
Alhaji Ahmed Lawal, a traditional ruler in Wase, told Leadership Newspaper that the death toll has risen to 50, adding that the victims have been buried according to Muslim rites. Many residents have fled to neighbouring communities for safety.
Plateau State Police Command spokesman, Alabo Alfred, confirmed the attack in a statement on Tuesday.
He added that police have arrested one of the suspected bandits, who was found receiving treatment for gunshot wounds in a hospital.
Additionally, Alabo said a combined team of the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security operatives killed seven bandits in a raid on Bangalala Forest, explaining that the arrested suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
Deadly attacks on Plateau communities have been frequent over the past decade. A particularly severe attack in January resulted in nearly 300 deaths across more than 20 communities in Mangu, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local governments.
