Tragedy struck in Kukawa and Bunyun communities of Kanam Local Government Area, Plateau State, as over 70 vigilantes were reportedly killed during a violent confrontation with armed bandits on Tuesday afternoon.
According to residents, the incident occurred around 2:00 p.m., when a large contingent of vigilante members from neighbouring Wase Local Government Area were ambushed en route to suspected bandit hideouts in a forest reserve that borders Bauchi and Taraba States.
The Chairman of the Kukawa Vigilante Group, Aliyu Baffa, who confirmed the attack, said the vigilantes were heading towards the Government Forest Reserve when they were ambushed by heavily armed bandits just a kilometre from Kukawa town.
“We have buried more than 60 of the 70 bodies in Kukawa alone. The search for additional bodies continues in the surrounding bushes and farmlands,” Baffa stated.
“Some of the vigilantes who escaped said they were overwhelmed by the bandits who had superior firepower and knew the terrain well.”
In Bunyun, another affected community, resident Musa Ibrahim confirmed that 10 local vigilantes providing security in the area were killed, while several homes were torched by the attackers.
The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Muftwang, had earlier expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation, revealing that more than 64 communities have come under bandit control in recent months.
In response, the state government has established a fact-finding committee tasked with recommending sustainable solutions to the persistent attacks and reclaiming occupied territories.
