Plateau Ambush: Terrorists Claim Lives of 20 Security Personnel and Vigilantes

Approximately 20 security personnel and local vigilantes have been killed following a deadly ambush by heavily armed terrorists on a joint patrol. The attack took place in the communities of Wanka and its environs within the Garga area of Kanam Local Government Area (LGA), Plateau State.

The Kanam Development Association (KADA) announced this in a statement released on Saturday in Dengi, Kanam LGA. The association stated that among the fallen were 12 security personnel, including two senior military officers, and eight vigilantes who were supporting the security forces.

According to KADA, the patrol team, comprising military members and vigilantes, was conducting routine security operations across Garga, Kyaram, and Gyambau communities. While en route to Wanka around 2:00 p.m. on Friday, they were suddenly ambushed by a large group of heavily armed terrorists.

"In the unfortunate exchange of gunfire that followed the ambush, our nation lost brave defenders who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty," the statement conveyed.

KADA characterized the loss of the security personnel and vigilantes as "deeply painful and unacceptable." The association highlighted that these operatives died while safeguarding rural communities that have been consistently targeted.

The group further reported that after the ambush, the terrorists proceeded to raid the Kyaram community. During the raid, they allegedly looted property valued at millions of naira and absconded with a significant number of cattle belonging to the residents.

KADA issued a stark warning, emphasizing that this attack is not an isolated event. The association noted that communities in the vicinity of Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau, and neighboring settlements, which straddle the borders of Plateau, Taraba, and Bauchi states, have been subjected to continuous attacks, abductions, and cattle rustling for the past three to four years.

The association stated that it had previously submitted multiple appeals to government authorities concerning the worsening security situation, but lamented that the crisis has continued to escalate.

Consequently, KADA has implored the local, state, and federal governments to take swift action to halt the ongoing bloodshed in the affected areas.

Among its urgent requests, KADA called for the immediate deployment of additional military and security forces to Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau, Wanka, and adjacent communities. It also urged the establishment of a permanent security presence in these border regions.

The association further advocated for coordinated security operations along the corridor connecting Plateau, Taraba, and Bauchi states, identifying this area as a route exploited by terrorists due to its challenging terrain.

Additionally, KADA appealed for humanitarian relief for the displaced residents, many of whom have reportedly lost their homes, livestock, and other vital sources of livelihood due to the relentless attacks.

"The people of these communities are law-abiding citizens whose only desire is to live peacefully, farm their land, raise their families, and contribute to the development of our nation. They cannot and must not be abandoned to the mercy of armed criminals," the statement concluded.