In a recent confrontation between security forces and bandits in Gudiri community, Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State, numerous bandits and several soldiers reportedly lost their lives.
This incident unfolded on Monday evening, just two days after the body of a police officer, abducted last Wednesday near Kampani community in the same district, was discovered by soldiers in a nearby bush. According to local residents, the clash began when soldiers, accompanied by vigilantes, launched an offensive against the bandits following increased reports of criminal activities in the area.
The residents confirmed that the security forces successfully dislodged the bandits from their hideout, recovering over 100 cattle believed to have been rustled by the criminals.
Despite multiple attempts, Major Samson Zhakom, spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, the security task force responsible for maintaining peace in the state, did not respond to inquiries regarding the incident.
Shapi’i Sambo, a youth leader in Wase, verified the clash, stating that while the exact casualty count remains unclear, a significant number of bandits were killed during the operation. He also confirmed that some soldiers paid the ultimate price in the battle.
One vigilante member, who wished to remain anonymous, shared details of the operation, revealing that three soldiers and more than 15 bandits were killed in the encounter. The community members expressed relief at the security forces’ intervention, as the bandits had been a persistent threat, frequently rustling cattle and robbing residents of their possessions.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern of violence in Wase LGA, where several communities have been targeted by gunmen suspected to be bandits. In a previous attack on May 21, bandits killed over 40 villagers in Zurak community, leaving many others injured, including vigilantes supporting the security forces.
