Suspected bandits have killed three soldiers and seven vigilantes during an attack on Wanka community in Keram District of Kanam Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Friday when the armed group stormed the village and began shooting sporadically, causing panic among residents.
Sources from the community said the violence followed an earlier operation by security personnel led by two army captains, who reportedly confronted the bandits in the area earlier that day. During that operation, several bandits were said to have been killed while others fled into nearby bushes.
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However, hours later—before the soldiers had withdrawn—the bandits allegedly regrouped and launched a retaliatory attack on the security forces and local vigilantes assisting them. The ensuing clash reportedly resulted in casualties on both sides, including the deaths of the three soldiers and seven vigilantes. Two army captains were said to be among those killed.
A local source noted that the bandits had been operating in the area for some time and had effectively established a presence, often moving in and out of the community without forcing residents to flee.
According to the source, the attackers were heavily armed, enabling them to mount a strong confrontation against the security personnel and vigilantes. The gun battle reportedly lasted several minutes. It was not immediately clear whether any civilians were affected.
Captain Polycap Oteh, spokesperson for Operation Enduring Peace, did not respond to calls or text messages seeking comment as of the time of filing this report.
Communities in Wase and Kanam local government areas, which share a border, have frequently experienced bandit attacks in recent times.
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