Gunmen kill one, abduct Imam and six others in Plateau community

2026-02-09 - 16:28

By Golok Nanmwa, Jos Gunmen on Sunday evening attacked Dogon Ruwa community in Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State, killing one resident and abducting an Imam and six other persons. The victims were reportedly ambushed while processing charcoal for commercial purposes on the outskirts of the community. Our correspondent reports that several rural communities in Wase Local Government Area have become hotspots for recurring banditry and kidnappings in recent times. Confirming the incident, a youth leader in Wase, Shapi’i Sambo, described the attack as sudden and terrifying. “The victims were processing charcoal when gunmen suddenly stormed the area,” Sambo said. “An Imam of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Malam Abdulrashid Baduku, was among those abducted.” He added that residents attempted to trail the attackers but were unable to apprehend them due to the onset of darkness. The attack has triggered widespread panic in the community. Sambo noted that security operatives have been deployed to the area, with additional reinforcements sent to restore calm and enhance security. As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alabo Alfred, had not responded to inquiries. Dogon Ruwa community has witnessed persistent violence in recent months. On July 29, 2025, bandits reportedly ambushed soldiers and vigilantes in the area, killing two soldiers and two vigilantes. Last week, gunmen also attacked Sabon Gari and Zak communities, leaving five residents and one soldier dead.