At least 11 people were killed in a midnight attack on Ngbra-Zongo village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. The assault occurred in the early hours of Friday, with armed assailants opening fire and wielding machetes as residents fled into nearby bushes. Among the dead were two pregnant women, children, and elderly villagers. The deceased included 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. Ten others sustained gunshot wounds and machete injuries and are receiving medical treatment. Survivors include 23-year-old Esi Sarki, nine-year-old Yakubu John, 18-year-old pregnant Ladi Sarki, Ladi Bitrus, 19, Amanda Sunday, 10, Danlami Gideon, 12, Baba Clement, 30, Jezriel Sunday, 8, Mary David, 4, and Monday Francis, 28. Danjuma Auta, Secretary of the Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN), confirmed the attack in a Friday telephone interview from Jos. He stated, "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." Auta 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." The incident has intensified fear in Bassa, a region with a history of recurring violence, displacement, and property destruction. Attempts to contact Alfred Alabo, spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
PIDAN's Danjuma Auta speaks of tragedy, yet his group has not secured safety for Ngbra-Zongo despite repeated attacks in Bassa. Eleven lives were lost, including two unborn children, while official police confirmation remained absent. The pattern of violence continues without accountability, and the same names keep appearing in the death lists. Residents flee into bushes, not because they lack courage, but because no protection has been provided.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
