Bandit Attack Claims Lives of Five Residents and a Soldier in Plateau State

At least five local inhabitants and a soldier lost their lives on Monday during an assault by suspected bandits in the Zurak community, located in the Bashar district of Plateau State.

Residents have reported that three soldiers are currently unaccounted for following a fierce gunfight with the attackers. These soldiers had been assigned to maintain security in the area due to ongoing challenges related to banditry and kidnapping.

Sources indicate that the assailants also set fire to numerous structures in the Sabon Gari community, which is also part of the Bashar district, before making their way to Zurak.

Shapi’i Sambo, a youth leader from Wase, corroborated the occurrences with Daily Trust on Tuesday, stating that the body of the deceased soldier was transported to Jos on the morning of the same day.

Jibrin Isa, a resident of Zak community, further confirmed the events, explaining that the bandits stormed both communities in large numbers, overpowering the security presence in the area.

He recounted, "The incident transpired around 3 PM, beginning with an assault on the military checkpoint in Sabon Gari. The attackers advanced into the community's commercial zone, where they plundered almost all the shops, seizing food items and other valuables."

Continuing his account, Jibrin noted, "After their raid on Sabon Gari, the bandits proceeded to Zurak, where they assaulted the military checkpoint again, claiming the lives of five civilians and one soldier. Three soldiers remain unaccounted for."

Jibrin described the raid as catastrophic, adding that the Zurak community has been largely abandoned, with residents fleeing to surrounding villages due to fears of additional attacks.

In response, Captain J.A. John, the Media Information Officer for Operation Enduring Peace, stated that an investigation into the situation would be conducted and he would provide updates. However, he had not responded by the time this report was published.

Daily Trust reports that Wase Local Government Area has suffered ongoing incidents of banditry and kidnappings, leading to multiple fatalities over the years.

Notably, on December 21, 2025, around 28 travelers from Zak community were kidnapped while en route to the Maulud celebration in the Sabon Layi community, also in Bashar district.