Renowned security analyst and counterinsurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, has raised alarm over conflicting casualty figures from the recent deadly attack on Zikke village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, sparking widespread calls for urgent clarification from authorities.
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Makama drew national attention to the discrepancies that have surrounded the tragedy, which has once again plunged Plateau into mourning and fear. While some reputable media outlets report that 40 lives were lost, global human rights watchdog Amnesty International claims the death toll stands at a staggering 51.
Adding to the confusion, local leaders including the Chairman of Bassa LGA and traditional rulers corroborated Amnesty’s figure, noting that search teams continue to recover more bodies from the surrounding bush days after the carnage.
In contrast, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) initially placed the number of deaths at 25, only to revise it later to 34 following official documentation and the recovery efforts spearheaded by joint security agencies.
Community sources, overwhelmed by the scale of devastation, revealed that mass burials have been arranged across three separate locations in the area, highlighting the severity and emotional toll of the massacre.
Zagazola Makama condemned the “brutal and inhumane” nature of the attack and issued a strong plea for responsible journalism. He urged media platforms, civil society groups, and individuals to cross-check and verify all information before dissemination to avoid fueling panic or deepening mistrust in the already fragile region.
Authorities have since pledged to conduct a comprehensive investigation, assuring the public that a consolidated report will be released upon the conclusion of ongoing assessments.
As Plateau State grapples with the aftermath of yet another tragedy, the public is calling for calm, justice, and a decisive government response to end the cycle of violence. Only through transparency, accountability, and commitment to peace can communities like Bassa hope to recover and rebuild trust.
PIONEER NEWS 