Human rights organisation, Amnesty International, has condemned the killing of 12 people during a midnight attack on Ngbra-Zongo village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The organisation said the attack, which happened late at night, left several families devastated, with women and children among those killed. According to Amnesty International, pregnant women were also victims of the assault, while at least 10 other residents suffered gunshot injuries and are currently receiving treatment in hospitals.
In a statement released after the incident, Amnesty International described the attack as “horrific” and accused the attackers of carrying out a brutal operation against defenceless villagers. The group alleged that some families were locked inside their homes before being killed one after another.
The latest killings have again drawn attention to the worsening security situation in parts of Plateau State, where communities have faced repeated attacks over the years. Residents of affected areas have often complained about the slow response of security agencies during attacks and the failure to arrest and prosecute those responsible.
Ngbra-Zongo village, located in Bassa Local Government Area, is one of several communities in Plateau that have witnessed violence linked to long-running disputes over land, farming rights, grazing routes, and ethnic tensions. Although authorities have repeatedly promised to restore peace in the state, many rural communities continue to live in fear of fresh attacks.
Amnesty International said the latest incident showed the urgent need for stronger action by the Nigerian government and security agencies to protect lives and property. The organisation called on the authorities to launch a full investigation into the killings and ensure that those behind the attack are brought to justice.
The rights group also warned that continued attacks on rural communities could deepen the humanitarian crisis in the state. Many families affected by violence in Plateau have been displaced from their homes, forcing them to seek shelter in safer communities or camps for displaced persons.
Residents of the area said the attackers stormed the village under the cover of darkness, causing panic as gunshots rang through the community. Survivors reportedly fled into nearby bushes to escape being killed. Several houses were said to have been damaged during the attack.
Community leaders in Bassa Local Government Area have repeatedly appealed to both the federal and state governments to improve security in vulnerable villages. They have also called for increased deployment of security personnel to rural communities where attacks are common.
The attack has sparked fresh concerns among citizens and civil society groups over the growing number of violent incidents in Plateau and other parts of Nigeria’s North-Central region. In recent years, several communities in the state have suffered deadly attacks that claimed many lives and destroyed homes and farmlands.
Despite government efforts, many residents believe more needs to be done to stop the killings and restore confidence among affected communities. Families in villages frequently targeted by gunmen now live with fear and uncertainty, especially during the night when most attacks occur.
The Plateau State Government has in the past promised to work with security agencies and community leaders to end the violence. Religious and traditional leaders have also continued to appeal for peace and dialogue among different groups in the state.
However, rights groups insist that beyond promises, there must be concrete action to prevent further bloodshed. Amnesty International urged Nigerian authorities to improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community security, and ensure quick response to distress calls from rural areas.
The organisation said failure to hold attackers accountable only encourages more violence and leaves victims without justice. It added that communities affected by attacks should also receive support, including medical care, relief materials, and protection from further assaults.
As residents of Ngbra-Zongo mourn those killed, many families are now counting their losses and demanding justice for the victims. The latest attack has once again highlighted the security challenges facing Plateau State and the urgent need for lasting peace in the region.