Residents of Zurak and Sabon Gari communities in the Bashar district of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State have reportedly fled their homes following two separate bandit attacks.

Daily Trust recalls that gunmen on motorcycles on Monday stormed the communities, killing a soldier and five residents in Zurak, while three soldiers were declared missing after the attack.

Community members said the attackers first targeted security checkpoints before moving into residential areas, where they set houses and shops ablaze and looted food items.

Following the attacks, security personnel were reinforced from Wase town, the headquarters of the local government, to the affected communities.

Despite the deployment, residents have continued to flee to Kampani, a neighbouring village to Zurak, in search of safety.

Men, women and children were seen trekking with their belongings.

A resident, Ya’u Usman, told Daily Trust that fear of further attacks forced people to leave.

“We had to flee despite the reinforcement of security personnel. We know they are trying their best, but the bandits often come in large numbers and overpower them. Our lives are not guaranteed. People cannot live in fear all the time. When law and order are restored, we will return,” he said.

As of Wednesday, security agencies were yet to comment on the development.

When contacted, Captain J.A. John, Media Information Officer of Operation Enduring Peace, said he would investigate the incident and revert.

Villages in Wase LGA have suffered recurring banditry and kidnapping attacks in recent months.

On December 21, 2025, about 28 travellers from Zak community were abducted while travelling to attend a Maulud in Sabon Layi community, also in the Bashar district.