Suspected bandits have abducted three people—including two palace officials—and razed several homes in Bunyun community, Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The attack, which occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, is believed to be a reprisal following a violent clash between local vigilantes and bandits last Sunday. That earlier confrontation reportedly left several vigilantes dead and homes destroyed.
Confirming the latest incident, the community’s traditional ruler, Abdulbari’u Muhammad, told journalists in Jos on Thursday that the attackers stormed the village in large numbers on motorcycles. He said the assailants looted valuables, including food items, clothing, and motorcycles, before setting houses on fire.
“We are completely confused and don’t know what to do. That’s why everyone fled to Bashar. People are afraid to stay behind,” the monarch said.
He identified the abducted palace officials as Waziri and Wakili, both of whom are also his younger brothers.
The attack has left the community deserted, with most residents fleeing to Bashar and other neighbouring towns for safety. A local resident, Abubakar Zubairu, confirmed the mass displacement, saying the village was virtually empty by Thursday morning.
Muhammad called on the government to urgently deploy more security personnel to the area to protect lives and allow residents—especially farmers—to return to their farmlands.
“Our crops have already been planted. Without security, we can’t tend to our farms. We need the government to act fast so we don’t lose our livelihoods,” he pleaded.
The attack is the latest in a string of violent incidents plaguing rural Plateau communities, underlining the urgent need for government intervention to restore order and protect citizens.
Efforts to get comments from Major Samson Zhakom, spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, and Alabo Alfred, spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
