A confrontation between local vigilantes and armed bandits has reportedly left scores dead in Dutsen Zaki, a forested area in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The clash, which began on Saturday and lasted several days, involved a coordinated offensive by over 300 vigilantes supported by soldiers, targeting bandit hideouts in the dense forest region. The area, surrounded by communities such as Zurak, Aduwa, Kinashe, and Odare in the Bashar district, has witnessed repeated attacks in recent months, forcing many residents to flee their homes.
According to Abdullahi Hussaini, a leader of the vigilante group, the operation resulted in the deaths of over 80 suspected bandits, including some of their female accomplices. He also confirmed that four vigilantes, including a commander, were killed during the confrontation, while 16 others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Wase and another facility in Bauchi State.
“We started the fight since Saturday,” Hussaini told Daily Trust. “People in the Bashar axis are no longer safe. Armed men have made life unbearable with daily attacks, killings, and kidnappings. That is why we took the fight to them in the forest. This time, we gained control.”
He added that the forest, which has served as a safe haven for the criminals, is now under the vigilantes’ control, although many of the fleeing bandits could still pose a threat.
Shapi’i Sambo, a youth leader in Wase, confirmed the deaths of the four vigilantes, including their commander, and said a new commander has been appointed to continue the operation.
Also speaking, Abdullahi Bin Umar, a resident of one of the affected villages, said residents living near the forest have abandoned their homes for fear of reprisal attacks.
“People are genuinely scared about what may follow,” he said. “With the number of bandits reportedly killed, residents fear that surviving members may retaliate.”
As of the time of filing this report, the spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, had not responded to requests for comment.
The latest incident comes barely two weeks after security forces and vigilantes killed five suspected bandits in Kadil Masudu village, also in Wase LGA, as authorities and local groups intensify efforts to secure the area from escalating violence.
