At least four people have been killed in a deadly ambush in Uwok-Ishe community, Kakkek district of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State, in what residents fear may reignite ethnic tensions in the troubled region.
The attack, which occurred around 7 pm on Saturday, claimed the lives of two farmers and two herders. Two others were critically injured and are currently receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
Local sources told PLATFORM TIMES that the victims—three Fulani and three Bache (also known as Rukuba)—were on their way to a mining site when gunmen opened fire on them. The six were travelling in pairs on two motorcycles.
A resident, Abubakar Abdullahi, who was among the first responders, said the attack shocked the community, given the peaceful coexistence between the Fulani and Bache groups in the area.
“We heard gunshots and immediately mobilised with some Rukuba youths to the scene. Sadly, we found four people already dead and two others badly wounded,” Abdullahi said.
“They were all heading to the mining site together—three Fulani and three Bache. We don’t understand who would do this or why.”
The killing has stirred anxiety among residents, particularly in light of the lingering history of ethnic clashes between the Fulani and Irigwe communities in nearby Miango district, where similar attacks have occurred in the past.
Youth President of the Bache ethnic group, Dauda Aku, confirmed the incident, describing it as a brutal and senseless act against individuals simply seeking to earn a living.
“At about 9 pm, I got a call that some of our youths had been killed on their way to work,” Aku said.
“Two of our members were killed, one is hospitalised. Among the Fulani, two also died, and one was seriously injured. This is heartbreaking.”
Aku expressed concern over the rising insecurity in Bassa, saying repeated attacks have continued without any tangible action from the authorities.
“This is not the first time this is happening. People are being killed like chickens, yet there has been no serious response from security agencies. How long will this continue?” he queried.
Attempts to get a reaction from the spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Major Samson Zhakom, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to inquiries as of press time.
Bassa and other parts of Plateau State have been plagued by recurrent violence, often with ethnic or religious undertones.
Residents say killings, destruction of property, and displacements have become a regular part of life, with no end in sight.
As of Sunday, tension remains high in the community as families mourn their dead, and locals call for urgent intervention to prevent a potential spiral of retaliatory violence.
'
'
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
