Wase, Plateau State – A bustling market day in Dogon Ruwa community, Bashar district, turned violent on Monday morning when armed bandits launched a brazen attack, abducting five traders and looting shops in broad daylight.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers arrived on motorcycles in large numbers and opened fire indiscriminately as business was at its peak. The gunfire sent hundreds of traders and shoppers fleeing for their lives, disrupting commercial activities and throwing the community into chaos.
“They surrounded the area and started shooting. It was terrifying,” said Abdullahi Isma’il, a shop owner whose business was ransacked during the assault. “They kidnapped five traders and looted shops, taking away food, drinks, and medicine. They clearly planned this for market day.”
The assailants reportedly targeted high-demand goods, carting away large quantities of grains, flour, rice, beans, and other consumables before fleeing the scene.
The Dogon Ruwa market is a major trading hub that draws crowds from nearby villages and communities. Monday’s attack marks the latest in a string of violent incidents plaguing Wase Local Government Area, where bandit activity has intensified in recent months.
Local sources say the region, especially Bashar district, has experienced repeated assaults leading to deaths, destruction, and displacement. The mounting insecurity has sparked fear and frustration among residents, many of whom feel abandoned by authorities.
In a recent statement, Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwang condemned the attacks, describing them as genocidal and part of a broader land-grabbing agenda. He noted that some attackers were reportedly heard speaking foreign languages, deepening concerns about external involvement in the violence.
Security agencies have yet to issue a formal response to Monday’s incident, and the whereabouts of the abducted traders remain unknown.
As fear grips the region, community leaders are calling for urgent government intervention to restore peace and ensure the safe return of the kidnapped victims.
