Gunmen Kill 13 in Plateau Attack, Including Three Pregnant Women

At least 13 people were killed in a midnight attack on Ngbra Zongo community in Kwall District, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, with three of the victims confirmed as pregnant women.

The assault happened around 12 a.m. on Friday, May 8, when gunmen stormed the community in coordinated groups, shooting indiscriminately and attacking residents with machetes. Many families fled into nearby bushes to escape.

A community member, Mr. Philip Alanga, told journalists in Jos that the attackers moved from house to house. “They came into the community around midnight and started shooting and hacking people to death. They moved from one house to another attacking innocent people,” he said.

Another resident, Mr. Chigoji Rocku, confirmed that three of the victims were pregnant women, describing it as one of the most devastating attacks the community has seen in recent years.

Names of the Dead

Community sources have named 11 of the victims so far: Sunday Hwie, 60 (community leader); Rikwe Danjuma, 37 (female); Paul Musa, 35; Gabriel Sunday, 17; Eunice Samuel, 25 (pregnant); Laraba Sunday, 29 (pregnant); Festus Sunday, 3; Sibi Friday, 23; Alheri Monday, 19; Friday Monday, 26; and Deh Sunday, 25. Two additional deaths were confirmed by separate reports, bringing the total to 13. Survivors include men, women, and children, some with gunshot wounds and machete cuts, among them another pregnant woman.

The Secretary General of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Mr. Danjuma Auta, confirmed the attack and called it “tragic and condemnable.” He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to protect rural communities. “We cannot continue to lose lives this way. Security operatives must track down those responsible and ensure justice is served to deter further violence,” he said.

LGA Chairman Speaks

The Executive Chairman of Bassa LGA, Mr. Joshua Riti, expressed deep concern over the resurgence of violence. He noted that peace efforts in the area had begun to yield results before this latest attack, and appealed to both the federal and Plateau State governments to strengthen security measures as farming season approaches.

Troops Uncover Illegal Arms Factory in Plateau

Separately, troops of the Quick Response Force under Operation Enduring Peace uncovered two illegal arms manufacturing factories in Plateau State. Five suspects were arrested and a cache of weapons and ammunition recovered. The Army linked the discovery to efforts to curb illicit weapons fuelling communal violence across the state.

Plateau State has seen a troubling pattern of late-night attacks on farming communities, with Bassa LGA repeatedly bearing the brunt. Community leaders continue to call for a permanent military presence in affected areas.

Sources: ThisDay Live, Punch, Leadership