In a fresh wave of violence in Plateau State, at least 49 people were killed and properties destroyed during a coordinated midnight attack on Zike hamlet in Kimakpa community, Bassa LGA, on Sunday, April 13, 2025. The attack, which took place while residents were asleep, was marked by sporadic gunfire from multiple directions. According to the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), prior rumors of the impending assault had been communicated to security forces, yet the massacre still occurred. This incident brings the total number of deaths in the Irigwe region to 75 since December 2024.
The IDA expressed frustration over the ineffectiveness of the Drone Station in Kwall, which failed to provide reconnaissance despite early warnings. The group called on federal and state authorities to act swiftly to prevent further bloodshed and avert a growing humanitarian crisis.
The Plateau State Government condemned the attack, labeling it an existential threat to the region’s peace. Commissioner Joyce Ramnap described the assault as an attempt to destabilize the state, especially following a similar massacre in Bokkos LGA just weeks prior. She urged residents to stay calm, avoid reprisals, and trust that justice would be served.
Meanwhile, in a separate security operation, Nigerian Army troops from Operation SAFE HAVEN rescued 16 kidnap victims along the Jos-Mangu highway. The rescue occurred after troops discovered an abandoned vehicle and tracked the kidnappers to a nearby bush. A firefight ensued, forcing the criminals to flee and leaving all captives, including six children, unharmed. The victims received first aid and were escorted safely to Jos, while the military continues to pursue the assailants, some of whom are believed to have been injured.
