At least 49 people have been confirmed dead and several properties destroyed in a late-night attack on Zike hamlet, Kimakpa community in the Kwall District of Irigwe Chiefdom, Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State.
According to Sam Jugo, National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), the attack occurred while residents were asleep on the night of Sunday, April 13, 2025. Gunshots reportedly rang out from multiple directions, causing panic as residents fled for safety.
“The IDA woke up to yet another massacre in Zike hamlet,” Jugo said. “By morning, 49 bodies had been recovered, with several others injured — though the exact number of the wounded is yet to be determined.”
Eyewitnesses and local residents alleged that Fulani assailants were behind the attack. They also claimed there had been prior warnings and rumors of an impending assault, which were reported to local security forces. Despite this, the attack still occurred, raising questions about the effectiveness of the existing security structures — including a nearby drone surveillance station in Kwall that residents say was not deployed.
Jugo described the situation as “provocative and vexing,” warning of a potential humanitarian crisis if urgent action is not taken. He called on both federal and state authorities to intervene and restore confidence in the community.
He noted that the Irigwe people have suffered repeated attacks, with at least 75 individuals killed since December 2024, including nine victims from an incident last week.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Government has strongly condemned the attack. Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, described the assault as “unprovoked” and said it represents a threat to the peace and stability of the state.
“It is heartbreaking that less than two weeks after lives were lost in Bokkos LGA, we’re witnessing another tragedy in Bassa,” she said. “This is clearly an attempt to derail the fragile peace the state has been rebuilding. The Mutfwang administration remains committed to holding perpetrators accountable and urges residents to avoid reprisals while remaining vigilant.”
