No fewer than 300 residents of Zurak and Sabon Gari communities in Bashar district of Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State, have fled their homes following renewed bandit attacks that left several people dead.
The displacement followed two coordinated attacks on Monday, when armed bandits riding motorcycles stormed the communities. During the assault, one soldier and five residents were killed in Zurak, while three soldiers were declared missing, according to local sources.
Residents said the attackers first overran security posts before advancing into residential areas, where they set houses and shops ablaze and looted food items, triggering panic across the communities.
Although security reinforcements were later deployed from Wase town, the council headquarters, fear continued to grip residents, forcing men, women and children to flee on foot to Kampani, a neighbouring village considered safer. Many were seen carrying personal belongings as they escaped.
Speaking to journalists, a resident, Ya’u Usman, said the attacks had left people traumatised and uncertain about their safety.
“We know the security forces are trying, but the bandits often come in large numbers and overpower them. Our lives are not guaranteed. People cannot continue to live in fear. Once law and order are restored, we will return,” he said.
Security agencies are yet to release an official statement. However, J. A. John, Media Information Officer of Operation Enduring Peace Joint Task Force in Jos, confirmed awareness of the incident and said further updates would be provided.
Wase Local Government Area has witnessed repeated banditry and kidnapping attacks in recent months, resulting in multiple deaths and mass abductions.
On December 21, 2025, about 28 travellers from Zak community were abducted while travelling to attend a Maulud celebration in Sabon Layi, also in Bashar district.
