Bandits kill seven, injure scores in Plateau market assault

At least seven persons were confirmed dead on Monday after bandits attacked a market in the Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attack, which happened at Zurak Compani Market on Sunday afternoon,  also left several others injured.

A youth leader in the community, Abdullahi Hussaini, who confirmed the incident on Monday, said that the bandits arrived at the market when it was bubbling around 2 pm and opened fire on the people transacting their businesses which led to the death of the victims.

Hussaini said, “The gunmen arrived in the market in their numbers, riding on motorcycles. They started shooting sporadically, killing seven people instantly while many others were injured.

“The gunmen successfully launched the attack and fled without any resistance because people were not expecting any security threat at the moment. They later fled to the bush but police personnel have been deployed in the community to restore law and other.”

He called for more security deployment in the area “because we don’t know what may happen anytime soon.”

The spokesperson for the state police command, Alfred Alabo, confirmed the attack but said four and not seven persons were killed.

Alabo said, “We are aware of the Zurak Compani incident, Four persons died and six persons, who were injured, are receiving treatment. Meanwhile, we have deployed our men to the area while investigation continues.”

Our correspondent reports that the Wase LGA situated over 200 kilometres from Jos had suffered several bandit attacks and kidnaps in the past. The community knew a brief reprieve before the Sunday attack.

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