A group of bandits attacked the Dogon Ruwa community in Bashar district, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, abducting five residents from their local market on Monday .
According to local sources, the bandits burgled shops and business centers, carting away huge quantities of food items and medicines during the attack.
News gathered that the market, which attracts hundreds of visitors from neighboring communities, sells food items including flour, rice, beans , drinks and other supplies.
Shapi’i Sambo, youth leader in Wase, told our correspondent that the bandits arrived around 11 am, on motorcycles and started shootings when residents and visitors were transacting businesses in the market, forcing people to flee the market .
“They stormed the area, almost surrounding the community, and started shooting. Some of them went to the market straight where they picked five shop owners. We believe they targeted the market day to steal food items,” Sambo said.
The youth leader added that security personnel, including soldiers and vigilantes, have been mobilized to trail the bandits to their hideouts.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, is yet to respond to inquiries about the incident.
It will be recalled that some villages in Wase, particularly in Bashar district, have been suffering from bandit attacks in recent time, resulting in loss of life and property.
Residents of the area are calling on the security forces to come to their rescue as bandit attacks have become a daily occurrence.
