Gun-wielding marauders launched attacks in some villages in Plateau State on Sunday, killing three residents and razing down the communities.

The incident occurred Sunday evening in Bassa Local Government Area of the State, Punch reported.

The assailants fatally shot the residents in an ambush while they were returning back to their homes along the Nkedorong axis from Ri-bakwa to Ri-kwe-Chingu area of the community.

A resident identified as Bitrus Ezeh, 42, also sustained gunshot injury during the attack, the news outlet said.

A youth leader, Ezekel Bini, disclosed that the brigands extended their attack to Zirshe village and razed houses of the residents shortly after they killed three persons.

Peoples Gazette cannot independently verify the motive of the assailants during the attack but the youth leader, in his statement, said the attack was the first in the area.

“It was yesterday evening (Sunday), four of our people who were returning to their homes at Nkedorong village were attacked by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen.

“The natives of Irigwe ethnic extraction were on their way home from Ri-bakwa to Rikwe-Chongu area when they came under attack around 7:30 p.m.

“Unfortunately, three of them died during the attack while one person escaped with gunshot wounds.

“Those that were killed were Ezekiel Maja, 29; Emmanuel Agaba, 30; and Moses Daburu, 26, while Mr. Bitrus Ezeh, 42, sustained an injury in his right leg.

The youth leader noted that the injured victim is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in a nearby community.

“From our investigation, after killing the victims, the gunmen moved to Zirshe village and burnt some houses before making their escape.” he added.

Banditry is gaining momentum in the North as the brigands continue to launch deadly attacks across the region leading to deaths of thousands of innocent civilians.