Five traders from Dogon Ruwa community in the Bashar district of Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State, were abducted on Monday morning during a bandits’ raid on a local market.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers arrived on motorcycles in large numbers and launched their assault during peak market hours, while business activities were in full swing.
“They stormed the area, almost surrounding the community, and started shooting. Some of them went to the market straight away, where they picked five shop owners.
“We believe they targeted the market day to steal food items,” said Abdullahi Isma’il, a resident whose shop was among those looted.
The attackers reportedly fired shots indiscriminately, causing widespread panic as traders and residents fled the market and surrounding homes.
Several shops and business centres were broken into, with the assailants looting large quantities of food items, beverages, consumables, and medicines.
The Dogon Ruwa market is known as a major trading hub, drawing hundreds of visitors from nearby communities. Goods such as grains, flour, rice, beans, and drinks are commonly sold there.
Monday’s abduction is the latest in a string of violent incidents in the area. Wase, especially Bashar district, has witnessed frequent bandit attacks, leading to multiple casualties and significant property losses.
In recent months, hundreds of people have been killed and thousands displaced across Plateau State in a series of brutal assaults.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang has repeatedly condemned the violence, describing the renewed attacks as “genocidal” and a “land grabbing agenda.”
While the identities of the attackers remain uncertain, the governor noted that “some of them speak foreign languages,” further fueling suspicions of external involvement.
