(JUST IN): Scores feared killed as soldiers, bandits clash in Plateau

(JUST IN): Scores feared killed as soldiers, bandits clash in Plateau

A violent confrontation erupted in the Gudiri community of Bashar District, Wase Local Government Area in Plateau State, resulting in multiple casualties.

The clash occurred on Monday evening amid ongoing concerns about banditry in the region, coming just days after the discovery of a police officer’s body who had been abducted the previous week.

The operation involved soldiers and local vigilantes taking decisive action against the bandits. Residents reported that over 100 cattle, believed to have been rustled by the bandits, were recovered during the confrontation. While the exact casualty figures remain unclear, both soldiers and bandits were reported to have lost their lives in the encounter.

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Shapi’i Sambo, a youth leader in Wase, acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the exact number of casualties but confirmed that several bandits and some soldiers were among the dead. A member of a local vigilante group further reported that three soldiers and more than 15 bandits were killed in the clash. This operation was met with approval from the community, which has long suffered from the impact of banditry in the area.

The violence in Wase Local Government Area has been alarming, with previous attacks resulting in significant loss of life. Notably, on May 21, bandits targeted the Zurak community, leading to over 40 deaths and many injuries. The community’s growing frustration with persistent banditry has led to increased support for military and vigilante efforts to combat these criminal activities.

As the situation continues to unfold, the resilience of the Gudiri community remains evident, as they stand against the tide of violence that has plagued their lives.

(JUST IN): Scores feared killed as soldiers, bandits clash in Plateau