Bandits Kill Resident, Kidnap Imam, Others In Plateau Community

Bandits have stormed Dogon Ruwa community in Bashar district of the Wase local government area of Plateau State, killed a resident and kidnapped an Imam, Abdulrashid Baduku, his Muezzin (prayer caller) and six others in the area.

Dogon Ruwa is one of the communities that has been hard-hit by banditry and kidnapping in recent times.

A resident (name withheld) said the victims of the Sunday invasion were attacked on the outskirts of the community where they were making charcoal for commercial use.

A youth leader in Wase LGA, Shapi’i Sambo, who confirmed the incident, said the attack had caused panic among local residents.

Sambo said, “The victims were processing charcoal when the gunmen stormed the area. An Imam from Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Malam Abdulrashid Baduku, and his Muezzin were among the victims.

“After the attack, the residents trailed the attackers but couldn’t catch up with them because it was evening. The attack has caused panic among our people,” he said

Sambo said security personnel have been stationed in the area and more have been deployed to boost security and encourage the residents to remain calm.

Meanwhile, the police command’s spokesperson, SP Alabo Alfred, as of press time, had not responded to calls or short messages sent to his cell phone.

LEADERSHIP recalls that recently, bandits ambushed soldiers and vigilantes in the same Dogon Ruwa community, killing two soldiers and two vigilantes.

On Monday last week, gunmen attacked Sabon Gari and Zak communities, killing five residents and a soldier.