Bandits Abduct Five Traders, Loot Market in Plateau State

Plateau, Nigeria — Tension heightened in the Dogon Ruwa community of Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State, following a brazen attack by armed bandits who abducted five traders and looted several shops during a busy market day on Monday.

Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers, who arrived on motorcycles around 11 a.m., stormed the market while business activities were in full swing, firing gunshots into the air to cause panic and disperse the crowd.

According to Shapi’i Sambo, a youth leader in Wase, the bandits strategically surrounded the area before heading directly to the market, where they seized five shop owners and made away with substantial quantities of food items and pharmaceutical products.

“They took advantage of the market day, targeting traders and looting items like rice, beans, flour, and drinks. Their aim was clearly to steal supplies,” Sambo told reporters.

Security operatives, including soldiers and local vigilantes, have since launched a manhunt for the perpetrators, although no official statement has been issued yet by the spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom.

This incident adds to a troubling pattern of violence in Wase LGA, especially in the Bashar District, where recent attacks have led to loss of lives and destruction of property. Residents have expressed growing concern over the frequency of these assaults and are calling for urgent intervention by security agencies.

By Makinde oyinkansola|May 12,2025.