At least 20 security operatives and local vigilantes were reportedly killed after armed bandits attacked a joint patrol team in Wanka and nearby communities in the Garga area of Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident was made known by the Kanam Development Association in a statement released on Saturday in Dengi.
The statement was signed by the group’s secretary, ND Shehu Kanam, and chairman, Garba G. Aliyu.
According to the association, those killed included 12 security personnel, among them two senior military officers, as well as eight members of a local vigilante group who were supporting security forces in protecting the communities.
The statement explained that the team, made up of soldiers and vigilantes, was travelling in two vehicles during a routine patrol through Garga, Kyaram and Gyambau communities.
At about 2:00 p.m. on Friday, they were reportedly attacked by a large group of heavily armed bandits while heading toward Wanka.
“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 read.
The association described the loss of the security personnel and vigilantes as very painful, noting that they died while working to protect communities that have faced repeated attacks over the years.
KADA also claimed that after the attack, the bandits moved into Kyaram community where they allegedly looted properties worth millions of naira and stole many cattle belonging to residents.
The group said the attack is part of a wider security problem affecting communities such as Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau and other nearby settlements located along the borders of Plateau, Taraba and Bauchi states.
According to the association, residents in these areas have faced repeated cases of attacks, kidnappings and cattle rustling for the past three to four years.
The association said it had earlier raised concerns about the worsening security situation but claimed that the violence has continued to increase.
KADA therefore urged the local, state and federal governments to take urgent action to stop further attacks in the affected communities.
Among its requests, the group asked authorities to deploy more military and security personnel to communities including Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau and Wanka.
It also called for a permanent security presence in the border areas.
The association further suggested coordinated security operations along the Plateau–Taraba–Bauchi border region, which it said bandits often use as a hiding place because of the difficult terrain.
It also appealed for support and relief materials for residents who have reportedly lost homes, livestock and other sources of income due to the 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 added.
Attempts to get confirmation of the incident from security authorities were unsuccessful at the time of reporting, as both the military and the police did not respond to calls and messages.
The association also expressed sympathy to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the families of the fallen soldiers and vigilantes, and the communities affected by the attack, saying their sacrifice will not be forgotten.
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