Armed bandits ambushed a team of soldiers and vigilantes in the early hours of Tuesday around Dogon Ruwa community, located in the Bashar district of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing at least two soldiers and two vigilante members.
Community sources told Daily Trust that the ambush occurred around 1:00 a.m. while the security personnel were trailing the assailants following an attempted attack in the area.
The attackers reportedly laid in wait for the joint security team and opened fire, killing four operatives and carting away their rifles and uniforms.
The traditional leader of Safiyo, under whose domain Dogon Ruwa falls, confirmed the incident. Abdullahi Yakuku condemned the attack and said the troops were caught off guard despite moving swiftly after receiving intelligence.
“There was a report that the bandits were planning to attack Dogon Ruwa, and people quickly alerted security forces. While on their way to the area, the bandits ambushed them and opened fire, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers and two vigilantes,” Yakuku stated.
Another resident, Ibrahim Sale, said the incident had thrown Dogon Ruwa and surrounding communities into a state of fear and anxiety.
“After killing the personnel, the attackers also took away their rifles and uniforms. It has left the community deeply unsettled,” he said.
As of press time, Operation Safe Haven spokesperson, Major Samson Zhakom, had not responded to inquiries on the development.
Wase and its environs have come under repeated bandit attacks in recent months, with growing calls from residents for intensified military operations to restore peace in the area.
