At least 51 people have been confirmed dead following a deadly assault on the Kwall community in Plateau State by unknown gunmen in the early hours of the day.
Wakili Tongwe, a local leader in the Zike community, Kimakpa, within the Kwall district of Bassa Local Government Area, reported that the assailants stormed the area, fatally shooting residents and setting several homes ablaze.
Tongwe recounted that the attackers fired indiscriminately at civilians fleeing for safety after hearing the initial gunfire.
He explained that he was on a patrol with members of a local vigilante group when the attack began.
According to him, the vigilante team engaged the assailants in a shootout, eventually forcing them to retreat despite the extensive destruction they had already inflicted.
He added that several residents injured by gunfire are currently receiving medical attention at a local health facility.