Bandits Abduct Three, Burn Homes in Fresh Attack on Plateau Community
Bandits raided Bunyun community in Plateau, abducting three people and torching several homes.
The attackers, riding motorcycles, also looted food and valuables before residents fled in fear.
Suspected bandits have attacked the Bunyun community in Bashar District, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, kidnapping three people including two palace officials and setting several houses on fire.
The attack reportedly occurred around 7:30 pm on Wednesday. It is believed to be connected to a recent violent clash between local vigilantes and bandits, which left several vigilantes dead and destroyed multiple homes last Sunday.
Confirming the fresh attack on Thursday, the community’s traditional ruler, Abdulbari’u Muhammad, said the assailants arrived in large numbers on motorcycles. He noted that they looted food items, clothing, and motorcycles before abducting the officials.
“We are completely confused and don’t know what to do, which is why we fled to Bashar. Everybody has fled because people are afraid to remain in the area,” Muhammad told journalists in Jos.
He revealed that the kidnapped palace administrators include Waziri and Wakili, the latter being his younger brother.
Residents said the community has been deserted since the attack, with many people relocating to nearby towns for safety. Abubakar Zubairu, a local, said Bunyun was largely empty by Thursday morning following the overnight raid.
Muhammad called on the government to urgently send security forces to the area to allow farmers return to their fields.
“Our crops are already planted, and we are worried about our farms. We need the government to help us with security so that we can go back to our farms and secure our livelihoods,” he said.
The situation in Bunyun reflects the broader security challenges facing rural communities in Plateau State. As of the time of this report, officials from Operation Safe Haven and the Plateau State Police Command had not responded to inquiries.