No fewer than forty residents have been confirmed dead following a fresh attack by unknown assailants on Zike community, Kimakpa in the Kwall district of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, threw the village into chaos as gunmen reportedly stormed the area and opened fire on unsuspecting residents.

Many villagers, startled by the sound of gunshots, attempted to flee but were caught in the hail of bullets.

A community leader, Wakili Tongwe, who spoke to Channels Television said he and some security personnel were on patrol in a neighbouring community when the attack began.

“Though our team engaged the attackers and repelled them, the damage had already been done,” he said.

“We lost thirty-six people on the spot, and four others later died from their injuries. Several others are currently receiving treatment for gunshot wounds.”

Monday’s incident adds to a growing list of deadly assaults in Plateau State, coming barely two weeks after a similar attack in Bokkos Local Government Area claimed the lives of 52 residents.

Reacting to the latest violence, the Plateau State Government expressed deep concern and condemnation.

Commissioner for Information and Communication Joyce Ramnap described the attack as “one too many” and warned that the increasing violence posed an existential threat to the state’s peace-loving citizens.

“It is sad that in less than two weeks after our people were killed in Bokkos, we are faced with another horrific attack in Bassa,” Ramnap said. “This is an attempt to puncture the peace that has gradually returned to the State.”

She urged residents to remain calm and vigilant while assuring that the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang is committed to holding perpetrators accountable.

“The government will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone or group found responsible for these heinous acts,” she added, cautioning against reprisals.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on the attack.

At least 51 people have been killed while many others were injured in an attack by gunmen on Zike Kimakpa community in Kwall District of Irigwe Chiefdom, Bassa local government area of Plateau State.

Reports indicated that the gunmen who attacked the community early Monday morning also set fire on many homes of the residents.

Secretary General of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Danjuma Dickson Auta, confirmed the attack in a telephone interview with journalists.

He added that the gunmen invaded the area and started shooting sporadically early Monday.

Auta added that bodies of 45 victims of the attacks have been recovered so far.

While also confirming the attack, a Kwall community leader, Wakili Tongwe, said the gunmen invaded the village in the early hours of Monday shooting sporadically while vigilantes were on patrol in another community

Tongwe told Channels Television that at least thirty-six people were shot dead before the gunmen were repelled by security operatives.

He added that some of those who sustained injuries during the sporadic shooting by the gunmen later died in the hospital.

However, security operatives are yet to comment on the attack. Recall that about 52 people were killed in some communities also in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State about two weeks ago.

“It is sad that in less than two weeks after our people were killed in Bokkos local government, this sad incident is reoccurring in another community in Bassa local government,” Plateau Commissioner of Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, said while reacting to the latest attack.

Forbes-rated socialite and entrepreneur, Uyi Ogbebor also known as Sir Uyi has sent a powerful message to Obi Cubana on his 50th birthday anniversary, saying he changed his life for good.

Speaking on the sideline of Cubana’s birthday anniversary, Uyi said the business tycoon is not only an inspiration to young people but an investor in the future of vibrant youths.

Responding to a question by newsmen on his impression of Obi Cubana, Uyi said, “He is everything to us, and by extension, young people. He is an inspiration and motivator of young people and I’m happy our paths crossed. Meeting him was divinely orchestrated,” he said.

Earlier, Uyi had hailed the celebrant on his Instagram page @sir_uyi, establishing how the businessman had impacted his career.

He said while Cubana had empowered him, the chain has continued as he has extended a similar love to others through empowerment.

Uyi wrote, “From the day I met you almost 15 years ago through @puzzo101, my life changed forever.

“You have empowered me, and in turn, I have been able to empower many others. We have created lasting memories together and continue to make more. You taught me how to fish, and since then, I have never looked back.

“Thank you for being an amazing big brother, a dependable friend, a mentor, a business partner, and my capable Chairman. I appreciate your authenticity, your kindness, and your incredible impact on those around you. Your type is very rare, and I am grateful to God for bringing us together. If you look around, you will see countless lives you have changed. Keep being yourself, my Chairman. I truly love you.