At least 13 people have been confirmed dead following a violent assault by gunmen on the Ngbra Zongo community in the Kwall District of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, has left several others injured and displaced numerous families.

Details of the Assault

Witnesses report that the assailants entered the community at approximately 12:00 a.m., launching a coordinated attack characterized by sporadic gunfire and the use of machetes. According to local resident Mr. Philip Alanga, the attackers moved systematically from house to house, targeting inhabitants and causing widespread panic.

"They moved from one house to another, attacking innocent people," Alanga stated, noting that many residents were forced to flee into nearby bushes to escape the violence.

Tragically, another resident, Mr. Chigoji Rocku, disclosed that the victims included three pregnant women.

Community and Leadership Response

The Secretary General of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Mr. Danjuma Auta, officially confirmed the incident. Describing the event as "tragic and condemnable," Auta expressed deep concern over the persistent insecurity plaguing the Bassa Local Government Area and other regions within Plateau State.

The IDA has issued an urgent appeal to:

Security Agencies: To intensify patrols and protective measures in vulnerable rural communities.

Law Enforcement: To swiftly track, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible to serve as a deterrent against future violence.

Official Statement Pending

As of the time of this report, the Plateau State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement. Efforts to reach the command's spokesperson, SP Alfred Alabo, for commentary were unsuccessful.

The situation remains tense as community members call for a permanent security presence to prevent a recurrence of such hostilities.