A violent ambush by suspected bandits has claimed the lives of eight individuals in Kukawa village, located in the Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The assailants, who reportedly arrived on motorcycles, initially posed as a vigilante force sent to combat local banditry before unleashing mayhem on the community.
The deadly incident unfolded around 2:30 p.m yesterday.
According to the village head of Kukawa, Ismail Isa Kukawa, the attackers, identified as members of a group called “Hulabe” and numbering over 300, deceived residents by claiming they were there to offer protection.
However, their true intentions became clear shortly after their arrival.
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“They stated they were here to confront bandits. Yet, moments later, they began ransacking shops and firing indiscriminately to terrorize villagers, making off with merchandise and valuables,” Mallam Isa recounted.
He expressed deep dismay that a group ostensibly fighting criminals instead engaged in looting millions of naira worth of goods.
Following their raid, the attackers reportedly retreated into the nearby bush.
As they exited the village, they fatally shot two traders who were en route to the local market, the village head confirmed.
Monday’s assault occurred in a border region shared by Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba states—an area that has been a frequent target of bandit activities in recent months.
Adding to the community’s distress, the whereabouts of a local vigilante group that had previously embarked on a pursuit of bandits across Wase and Kanam Local Government Areas remain unknown, heightening resident concerns.
Shehu Kanam, Secretary of the Kanam Development Association, commented on the dire situation.
He noted that Kukawa village, situated at the confluence of the Bauchi and Taraba state borders, has endured continuous assaults by criminal elements, leading to tragic loss of life and significant property damage.
