5 feared dead, soldier killed as bandits launch deadly attack in Plateau

At least five residents and one soldier were reportedly killed in a brazen daytime attack by suspected bandits in Zurak community, located in the Bashar district of Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State.

Credible sources revealed that the attack led to a fierce gun battle between security forces and the assailants. During the exchange, three soldiers were declared missing. The soldiers were part of a security team deployed to protect the community following repeated bandit attacks in the area.

Investigation revealed that the bandits had earlier burnt down several houses in Sabon Gari community of the same Bashar district.

Meanwhile, a youth leader in Wase LGA, Shapi’i Sambo, confirmed the two attacks to newsmen on Tuesday, adding that the body of the military officer has been moved to Jos on Tuesday morning.

Similarly, Jibrin Isa, a resident of Zak community, also confirmed the incident, explaining that the bandits attacked the two communities in their numbers, making it very difficult to be confronted by security forces stationed in the areas.

“The incident happened around 3pm and the assailants first attacked the military checkpoint situated in Sabon Gari before moving to the commercial area of the community where they looted almost all the shops and took away food items and other valuable things,” he said.

Explaining further, Jibrin said, “After attacking Sabon Gari, the bandits later moved to Zurak where they first attacked the military checkpoint. During the attack in Zurak, they killed five residents and one soldier. Three soldiers are still missing.”

Jibrin, who described the attack as devastating, revealed that Zurak community is currently deserted following the incident as residents have fled to neighbouring villages for fear of the unknown.

The Media Information Officer, Operation Enduring Peace, Captain JA John could not confirm the attack as at the time he was contacted.

Villages in Wase LGA have been suffering from bandit and kidnapping attacks for years, resulting in the death of many people.

Recall that on December 21, 2025, about 28 travellers from Zak community were abducted while on their way to attend Maulud in Sabon Layi community in Bashar district.