Bandits have raided the Dogon Ruwa community in Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State, killing one resident and abducting Abdulrashid Baduku, an imam, his muezzin (prayer caller), and six others.
Dogon Ruwa is one of several communities in the area that have been severely affected by banditry and kidnapping in recent times.
A resident, who requested anonymity, said the victims were attacked on the outskirts of the community while producing charcoal for commercial purposes.
Shapi’i Sambo, a youth leader in Wase LGA, confirmed the incident, saying the attack had caused widespread panic among residents.
“The victims were processing charcoal when the gunmen stormed the area. Abdulrashid Baduku, an imam from Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), and his muezzin were among those abducted,” Sambo said.
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“After the attack, residents trailed the attackers but could not catch up with them because it was already evening. The incident has caused panic among our people.”
He added that security personnel had since been stationed in the area, with additional deployments made to strengthen security and reassure residents.
Meanwhile, the police spokesperson in Plateau State, Alfred Alabo, had not responded to calls seeking comment as of press time.
The latest attack comes amid a wave of violence in the area. Recently, bandits ambushed soldiers and vigilantes in Dogon Ruwa, killing two soldiers and two vigilantes.
Last Monday, gunmen also attacked Sabon Gari and Zak communities, killing five residents and a soldier.
