A group of bandits attacked the Dogon Ruwa community in Bashar district, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, abducting five traders in a market.
According to local sources, the bandits burgled shops and business centres, carting away huge quantities of food items and medicines.
Daily Trust gathered that the market, which attracts hundreds of visitors from neighbouring communities, sells food items including flour, rice, beans, drinks and other supplies.
Shapi’i Sambo, a youth leader in Wase, told Daily Trust that the bandits arrived at the community around 11 am, on motorcycles when residents and visitors were transacting businesses, forcing people to flee the market and their homes.
“They stormed the area, almost surrounding the community, and started shooting. Some of them went to the market straight where they picked five shop owners. We believe they targeted the market day to steal food items,” Sambo said.
The youth leader added that security personnel, including soldiers and vigilantes, have been mobilised to trail the bandits to their hideouts.
The spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, has yet to respond to inquiries about the incident.
Our correspondent reports that villages in Wase, particularly in Bashar District, have been suffering from bandit attacks in recent times, resulting in loss of lives and property.
Residents of the area have called on the security forces to come to their rescue, saying bandit attacks have become a daily occurrence. (Daily trust)
