Suspected bandits on Monday killed a soldier and at least five residents during an attack in Zurak community, located within Bashar district in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to reports from residents of the affected communities, three soldiers are currently missing following an exchange of gunfire with the dare-devil attackers.
Reports said the soldiers were deployed to provide security in the area amid persistent cases of banditry and kidnapping that have instilled fear and anxiety among those residing within the communities.
Security sources claimed that before proceeding to cause mayhem in Zurak, the assailants had earlier razed several houses in Sabon Gari community, also located in the same Bashar district.
Confirming the two attacks to reporters, a youth leader in Wase area, Shapi’i Sambo, said on Tuesday that the body of the slain soldier was moved to Jos on Tuesday morning.
However, Sambo did not offer additional information on the Military’s response to the dead soldiers or those said to be missing due to the attack.
Also speaking on the attack, a resident of Zak community, Jibrin Isa, said the bandits stormed the two communities in large numbers, adding that their numbers were overwhelming which made it difficult for the few security personnel stationed in the area to effectively repel them.
Isa further said, “The incident happened around 3pm, and the assailants first attacked the military checkpoint in Sabon Gari before moving to the commercial area of the community, where they looted almost all the shops and carted away food items and other valuables.
“After attacking Sabon Gari, the bandits later moved to Zurak, where they also attacked the military checkpoint. During the attack in Zurak, they killed five residents and one soldier. Three soldiers are still missing.”
Describing the attack as most unfortunate and hugely devastating, Isa disclosed that Zurak community is presently deserted, with most residents having fled to find refuge in neighbouring villages for fear of further attacks.
When contacted, Captain J.A. John, Media Information Officer, Operation Enduring Peace, promised to investigate the report, assuring that an official report on the incident would be made public soon.
Meanwhile, available reports indicated that communities in Wase Local Government Area have suffered years of banditry and kidnapping, resulting in several deaths in the area.
The most recent of these kidnapping horror occured on 21st December 2025, when about 28 travellers from Zak community were abducted while heading to attend Maulud in Sabon Layi community, Bashar district of the state.
