Militia Men Attack Market, Kidnap Five Traders in Plateau During Peak Trading Hours

A militia group launched an attack on a market in Dogon Ruwa community of Bashar district, Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State, on Monday morning, abducting five traders, looting goods and firing gunfire.

The armed men stormed the area in large numbers on motorcycles, striking during peak trading hours, when the market was filled with traders and buyers from neighbouring communities.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of terror as the invaders fired sporadically, forcing people to flee in panic and abandon their goods.

They stormed the area, almost surrounding the community, and started shooting. Some of them went straight to the market where they picked five shop owners. We believe they targeted the market day to steal food items,” Abdullahi Isma’il, a local shop owner whose business was looted told ChannelsTv

During the attack, shops and businesses were ransacked, with the militia men carting away large quantities of food items, consumables, and medicines. The assault has left the community in shock, further deepening the insecurity crisis that has plagued Wase LGA and other parts of Plateau State in recent months.

The Monday market in Dogon Ruwa is one of the major trading markets in the area, attracting hundreds of visitors weekly. Residents believe the timing of the attack was strategic, aimed at maximising loot and causing widespread disruption.

It will be recalled that in recent months, villages in Wase, particularly in Bashar district, have suffered repeated attacks by armed groups, resulting in numerous casualties and significant displacement.

Governor Caleb Muftwang has described the renewed wave of violence as genocidal, suggesting the attacks are part of a broader attempt at land grabbing. He also noted that some of the attackers are believed to be non-Nigerians, as they speak foreign languages.

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