Fatal Clash Between Bandits and Soldiers in Plateau Claims Lives

In Wanka community located in the Keram district of the Kanam local government area of Plateau State, a tragic confrontation resulted in the deaths of three soldiers and seven vigilantes.

Residents shared with Daily Trust that this violent event occurred around 5:30 PM on a Friday when a group of bandits invaded the village, opening fire indiscriminately.

Additionally, sources stated that a number of the attacking bandits also met their end during the clash.

Gambo Musa, a local, reported to Daily Trust that the casualties included two army captains. He recounted the unfolding events, noting that the community had been under the influence of bandits for an extended period, allowing them relative freedom in their operations within the region.

“On Friday morning, a contingent of security forces led by the two captains arrived and clashed with the bandits, managing to eliminate several of them before they retreated. However, not long after the initial confrontation and while the soldiers were still on the scene, the bandits regrouped from nearby bushes, launched a surprise attack, and engaged both the soldiers and their accompanying vigilantes, resulting in casualties on both sides,” Musa explained.

Ibrahim Ubale, another resident, described the attack as horrific, emphasizing the bandits' advanced weaponry, which emboldened them to challenge the security personnel and their allies effectively. He noted that the encounter lasted several minutes, but it was still unclear if any local residents were affected.

Attempts to reach Captain Polycap Oteh, the spokesperson for Operation Enduring Peace, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages from our correspondent.

Reports indicate that there have been continuous bandit attacks across several villages in the bordering areas of Wase and Kanam.

In a recent effort to mitigate the security crisis, the Nigerian Army previously deployed 300 soldiers to the region to combat bandit-related violence, kidnappings, and other criminal activities prevalent in these areas.