By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
A fresh wave of tension has gripped communities in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State following the killing of four individuals—two herders and two farmers—who were reportedly ambushed on their way to a mining site in Uwok-Ishe community of Kakkek district.
The incident, which occurred around 7 pm on Saturday, also left two others critically injured. They are currently receiving treatment at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
The victims, identified as members of the Fulani and Bache (also known as Rukuba) ethnic groups, were said to be riding in pairs on motorcycles when they were suddenly attacked by unknown assailants. The circumstances surrounding the ambush have left residents baffled, especially as the victims reportedly shared a close working relationship, particularly in the mining business.
Abubakar Abdullahi, a local resident who responded to the attack, recounted the shocking discovery.
“We heard gunshots and mobilised immediately, including members of the Rukuba community. When we arrived at the scene, we found four bodies and two others badly injured. The victims were all heading to mining sites, and they included both Fulani and Rukuba people. It’s devastating because there has never been any recent dispute between them,” he said.
The attack has reignited concerns about the fragile peace in the Miango axis of Bassa, an area with a long history of ethnic tension and violence involving the Irigwe and Fulani communities. However, this latest attack appears to have targeted groups previously thought to be living in relative harmony.
Dauda Aku, Youth President of the Bache ethnic group, expressed sorrow over the killing, describing it as a tragic loss.
“By 9 pm that evening, I got a call that our boys were attacked while struggling to make a living. Two of our members died on the spot and one is in the hospital. Among the Fulani, two died as well while another was injured. It’s painful and unacceptable,” he said.
He lamented the worsening insecurity in the area, noting that such incidents had become all too frequent without meaningful government intervention.
“People are being killed regularly and no one is being held accountable. We can’t continue like this,” Aku added.
As at the time of filing this report, the spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Major Samson Zhakom, had yet to respond to inquiries about the incident.
The attack adds to the growing list of violent incidents in Plateau State, particularly in Bassa, where clashes, killings, and property destruction have become distressingly routine. With no suspects identified and investigations yet to begin, residents are left fearing further escalation in a region already fraught with insecurity.