At least 11 people, including two pregnant women, children and elderly residents, lost their lives after gunmen attacked Ngbra-Zongo village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State around midnight on Friday.
The attack also left no fewer than 10 villagers with gunshot wounds and machete injuries. Some survivors, including a pregnant woman and children, are receiving treatment for different injuries.
Those killed were identified as community leader Sunday Hwie, 60; Rikwe Danjuma, 37; Paul Musa, 35; Gabriel Sunday, 17; Eunice Samuel, 25, who was pregnant; Laraba Sunday, 29, also pregnant; three-year-old Festus Sunday; Sibi Friday, 23; Alheri Monday, 19; Friday Monday, 26; and Deh Sunday.
Survivors include Esi Sarki, 23; Yakubu John, 9; Ladi Sarki, 18, who is pregnant; Ladi Bitrus, 19; Amanda Sunday, 10; Danlami Gideon, 12; Baba Clement, 30; Jezriel Sunday, 8; Mary David, 4; and Monday Francis, 28.
Residents said the attackers invaded the village at midnight, opened fire and attacked people fleeing with machetes, forcing many villagers to run into nearby bushes for safety.
The attack is the latest in a series of killings in Bassa, where several families have been displaced and properties destroyed in recent months.
Danjuma Auta, Secretary of the Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN), confirmed the incident on Friday.
He said, “We received reports from the community early this morning that 11 persons were killed during the attack on Ngbra-Zongo village in Bassa. Several others sustained gunshot injuries and machete cuts and are currently receiving treatment”.
He added, “Among those killed were pregnant women, children and the elderly. The situation is tragic and the community is in deep mourning following the incident”.
