Residents Flee After Bandit Attacks In Plateau Communities

Residents of Zurak and Sabon Gari communities in the  Bashar district of the Wase local government area of Plateau State are reportedly fleeing following two separate attacks in the areas.

LEADERSHIP recalls that bandits on motorcycles on Monday stormed the two communities, killing a soldier and five residents of Zurak, while three soldiers were reportedly missing after the attack.

Residents of the community said the bandits first targeted security points in the communities and proceeded to residential areas, burning houses, shops, and looting food items.  Following the attack, security personnel from Wase town, the headquarters of Wase, were reinforced and deployed to the affected communities.

However, despite the deployment of security personnel, residents have started fleeing to Kampani, a neighbouring village to Zurak, for safety.

Besides, men, women, and children were seen trekking to safety with their luggage.

Ya’u Usman, a resident of Zurak, told newsmen that they were afraid, hence the need to run to safety to another community.

He said, “We have to flee the community despite the reinforcement of security personnel. We understand that they are doing their best, but the bandits often come in their numbers, overpowering the security. Our lives are not guaranteed. People cannot continue to live in fear all the time. When law and order are restored, we will return.”

Security agencies are yet to comment on the development as of Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Captain JA John, Media Information Officer, Operation Enduring Peace, could not be reached for comment at the time of filing this report.