A fresh wave of violence has shaken parts of Plateau State after armed men stormed rural communities, killing residents and overwhelming security forces deployed to keep the area safe.
At least five civilians were confirmed dead after gunmen launched coordinated attacks on settlements in the Bashar district, while a soldier attached to a military checkpoint also lost his life during the assault.
Security sources and local accounts indicate that several troops remain unaccounted for following intense exchanges of gunfire.
According to community leaders, the attackers first struck a neighbouring settlement, setting homes ablaze and forcing families to flee.
Witnesses said the assailants later advanced toward another community, moving in large numbers and targeting both security positions and commercial areas.
A youth representative in Wase described the situation as chaotic and deeply troubling.
“What we saw was not a random raid but a well-organised operation. They came prepared, and the communities were simply overwhelmed,” he said.
Residents who escaped the violence said shops were ransacked and food supplies carted away, leaving many households without basic necessities.
A local resident explained that the scale of the attack made resistance nearly impossible.
“The security personnel tried to hold their ground, but the attackers were many. People ran for their lives,” he said.
In the aftermath, entire neighbourhoods have been abandoned as families seek refuge in nearby villages, fearing that the gunmen could return.
Community elders warned that prolonged displacement could worsen the humanitarian situation if urgent support is not provided.
Military authorities said they were aware of reports from the area and had begun internal inquiries.
A spokesperson linked to the ongoing security operation in the state noted that details were still being verified and promised an official update.
The latest incident adds to a long list of security challenges facing Wase Local Government Area, where banditry and kidnappings have persisted for years.
Local leaders argue that without sustained military presence and intelligence-driven operations, vulnerable communities will continue to bear the brunt of violent attacks.
Residents are now calling on both state and federal authorities to reinforce security, restore confidence, and prevent further bloodshed in the troubled district.