A late-night assault on the Zike community in Bassa, Plateau State, North-central Nigeria, has left over 40 people dead and nearly 1,000 residents displaced.
The attack, which took place around midnight on Monday, lasted for close to two hours, according to several eyewitnesses.
The violence has deepened fears among locals, many of whom have already faced similar incidents in recent weeks.
Joseph Chudu Yonkpa, spokesperson for the Irigwe Youth Movement, confirmed the death toll and said many survivors are receiving treatment at Jos University Teaching Hospital and other nearby facilities.
Police spokesperson Alfred Alubo acknowledged the incident, noting that a detailed report on the casualties is still being compiled and a public statement will follow once more information is verified.
This is not the first tragedy to hit the Zike community – more than 20 people were reportedly killed in previous attacks leading up to this latest incident.
Local residents are appealing for urgent government intervention. Despite recent visits from top officials including Nigeria’s Army Chief of Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, both of whom assured the public of improved safety, communities in Plateau State continue to grapple with persistent violence.
Authorities are investigating the attack as calls for stronger security presence grow louder across the state.
© WAVN