Two captains, three soldiers seven vigilantes and several bandits have been killed in in gun battle in Wanka community, Keram district of Kanam local government area of Plateau State.
Locals said the clash took place around 5:30 pm, on Friday when bandits invaded the village shooting sporadically.
A local Gambo Musa, said, “The residents of the attacked community had been living with bandits for some time. The bandits virtually control the area because they used to come and do whatever they like and leave without pursuing the residents out of the community.
“So, on Friday morning, security personnel under the command of two captains stormed the community, engaged the bandits, and killed several of them while others fled.
“Hours after the incident, and even before the soldiers left, the bandits regrouped from the nearby bushes, attacked and engaged the soldiers and the vigilantes working with the security, leading to casualties from both sides.
“Many bandits have also lost their lives.“
Another resident of the area, Ibrahim Ubale, said the attack was terrible, adding that “the bandits were well equipped, giving them the opportunity to confront the security personnel and the vigilantes. The engagement lasted for several minutes. But we are yet to ascertain if other residents were affected.”
Spokesperson of Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Polycap Oteh, has not responded to calls and SMS sent to him on the incident.
Our correspondent reports that several villages in Wase and Kanam, which share a border, have consistently witnessed bandit attacks.
Last month, the Nigerian Army had deployed 300 soldiers to the area to counter bandit attacks, kidnappings, and other criminal activities in the areas.
