Gunmen attacked the Ngbra Zongo community in Kwall District, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, around 12 a.m. on May 3, 2026, killing 11 people. Among the dead were three pregnant women: Eunice Samuel, 25, Laraba Sunday, 29, and Deh Sunday, 25. Other victims included community leader Sunday Hwie, 60, Paul Musa, 35, Gabriel Sunday, 17, and Festus Sunday, 3. Attackers moved house to house, shooting and hacking residents with machetes. Many others sustained injuries, and survivors fled into nearby bushes.
Philip Alanga, a community member, said the attackers arrived around midnight and began shooting and hacking people. Chigoji Rocku, another resident, described the incident as one of the most devastating in recent years. The Secretary General of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Danjuma Auta, called the attack tragic and condemnable, urging security agencies to intensify efforts. Joshua Riti, Executive Chairman of Bassa LGA, expressed concern over the resurgence of violence and appealed to federal and state governments to strengthen security, especially with farming season approaching.
In Borno State, Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) insurgents attacked a military base in Magumeri in the early hours of May 3, 2026. Troops of Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai repelled the assault, killing scores of insurgents. Two soldiers died in the exchange, and an officer with other personnel were receiving medical treatment. The military recovered PKT anti-aircraft guns, AK-47 rifles, and magazines. Blood trails and body drags indicated heavy losses among the attackers.
Between May 1 and May 3, 2026, troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, killed nine bandits including two kingpins in coordinated operations in Zamfara and Katsina states. In Katsina, joint security forces killed five bandits and rescued 32 kidnapped victims. In Plateau State, the Quick Response Force (QRF) of Operation Enduring Peace uncovered two illegal arms factories, arrested suspects, and recovered weapons and ammunition.
Joshua Riti claims peace efforts were yielding results before the Plateau attack, yet 11 people are dead in the same area under federal and state watch. His appeal for stronger security exposes a failure to protect civilians despite prior claims of progress. The presence of illegal arms factories in Plateau suggests local networks are arming faster than security forces can respond. Named victims, including children and pregnant women, died in a preventable assault on a community that had already sounded alarms.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
