At least 51 people were killed and dozens injured in a renewed attack on the Zike community, Kimakpa, in the Kwall district of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State, early Monday, local leaders confirmed.

The latest assault, which also left several homes razed, adds to a growing wave of violence in Nigeria’s north-central region and comes barely two weeks after 52 others were killed in Bokkos, another local government area in the state.

Community leader Wakili Tongwe said the attackers struck around 1:00 am, shooting sporadically as residents fled into the night.

“I was on patrol in a neighbouring village with local vigilantes and security operatives when we heard the first rounds of gunfire,” Tongwe said. “By the time we got back, 36 were already dead. Some died later from their wounds.”

He added that the attackers escaped before reinforcements could arrive, though they were engaged by the joint patrol team.

Several injured victims are receiving treatment in nearby health facilities, while traumatised survivors combed through burnt homes in search of missing relatives.

The attack adds to a recent pattern of mass killings in rural communities.

Plateau State governor Caleb Muftwang has repeatedly called the attacks “organised and genocidal,” alleging that terrorists are behind them.

“There is no other explanation. Entire communities have been taken over, renamed, and occupied by the assailants,” Muftwang said in a recent interview. “As we speak, no fewer than 64 communities in Bokkos, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi have been forcibly occupied.”

Residents in Bassa have now joined calls for a permanent military base in the area and renewed demand for justice and protection.

“We are tired of burying our people every other week,” said Tongwe. “The government must do more than deploy troops after the damage is done.”