Bandit attacks force hundreds to flee Plateau homes

Hundreds of residents of Zurak and Sabon Gari communities in Bashar district of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State have fled their homes following renewed fear of bandit attacks.

The displacement followed two separate attacks on Monday when gunmen riding motorcycles stormed the communities, killing a soldier and five residents in Zurak, while three soldiers were declared missing after the assault.

Residents said the attackers first targeted security posts before moving into residential areas, where they burnt houses and shops and looted food items and other valuables.

Although security personnel were later reinforced from Wase town, the council headquarters, frightened residents have continued to flee to Kampani, a neighbouring village, in search of safety, with men, women and children seen trekking with their belongings.

Read also: Five residents, one soldier killed, three missing in bandits attack on Plateau community

A resident of Wase, who spoke to BusinessDay on Friday on ground of anonymity, said the communities have been overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty.

“We understand that they are doing their best, but the bandits often come in large numbers and overpower the security,” he said.

He added, “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 issue an official statement on the attacks, which come amid repeated banditry and kidnapping incidents in Wase Local Government Area, including the abduction of about 28 travellers from Zak community in December 2025, on their way to attend a Maulud in Sabon Layi community in the same Bashar district.

However, Bassey Ewah, new commissioner of Police in Plateau State, during his maiden press briefing, said the police under his watch, working with other sister security agencies, would make Plateau safer.