Bandits on Monday attacked the Dogon Ruwa community in Bashar District, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, abducting five traders and looting shops at a busy local market.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the market around 11am on motorcycles, shooting into the air to scare people and force them to flee. The raid caused panic among residents and traders, many of whom abandoned their goods while running for safety.
“They came in large numbers, surrounded the area and picked five shop owners,” said Shapi’i Sambo, the youth leader in Wase. “We believe they came mainly for food items, because they looted bags of rice, flour, beans, drinks, and even medical supplies.”
The Dogon Ruwa market, a popular trading hub in the region, draws traders and buyers from several nearby communities.
Security forces, including soldiers and local vigilantes, have reportedly been mobilised to pursue the attackers, but no official statement has been released yet. Attempts to reach the spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
This incident adds to the growing insecurity in Bashar District, which has seen repeated bandit attacks in recent months, leading to loss of lives and property.
Residents have called on the government and security agencies to take urgent action to restore peace and protect their communities from further attacks.
