One killed, eight kidnapped as bandits raid Plateau mosque, community

Bandits have stormed the Dogon Ruwa Mosque and Community in the Bashar District of the Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing a resident and kidnapping Abdulrashid Baduku, an Imam (Muslim Leader) and 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, who did not want his name in print, said the victims of the invasion were attacked on the outskirts of the community, where they were making charcoal for commercial use.

Read also: Bandits abduct Catholic catechist, pregnant wife, 30 others in fresh Kaduna attack

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

Sambo said, “The victims were processing charcoal when the gunmen stormed the area. Abdulrashid Baduku, an Imam from Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), 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.:

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

Meanwhile, Alfred Alabo, the Plateau State Police Command’s Spokesperson had not responded to calls as of press time.

Recently, bandits ambushed soldiers and vigilance group men in the same Dogon Ruwa community, killing two soldiers and two vigilantes.

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