Gunmen K!ll One, ∆bduct Islamic Cleric and Seven Others in Plateau Community

Gunmen Kill One, Abduct Islamic Cleric and Seven Others in Plateau Community

Armed gunmen on Sunday evening attacked residents of Dogon Ruwa community in the Bashar district of Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria, killing one person and abducting an Islamic cleric alongside seven other individuals, local reports say.

According to eyewitness accounts and community leaders, the assailants struck as the victims were engaged in commercial activities on the outskirts of the rural settlement. Among those taken were an Imam from the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Malam Abdulrashid Baduku, his prayer caller (Mu’azzin), and six other persons.

A youth leader in Wase, Shapi’i Sambo, described the sudden assault as “terrifying,” adding that residents attempted to pursue the attackers but were unable to catch them due to fading daylight and difficult terrain.

The killing and kidnappings have fuelled fear across Dogon Ruwa and neighbouring communities, which have endured repeated incidents of banditry and abductions in recent months. Security forces have reportedly been deployed to the area to shore up protection and prevent further violence, though as of press time, no official statement had been released by the Plateau State Police Command.

Authorities and local leaders are calling for calm while efforts to locate the abducted victims are ongoing.