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Scores Feared Dead as Vigilantes, Soldiers Launch Joint Operation Against Bandits in Plateau

Published

1 year ago

June 19, 2025

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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.

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CAF Champions League: Rivers United Hold San Pedro, Set Up Crucial Home Decider

Published

7 hours ago

September 5, 2026

Preport

Rivers United have returned from Côte d’Ivoire with a valuable 1–1 draw against FC San Pedro in the first leg of their CAF Champions League first preliminary-round tie.

The result gives the Pride of Rivers a strong platform ahead of the return fixture, with the Nigerian side now needing a victory at home to secure their place in the next qualifying round.

The draw is particularly encouraging for Rivers United after head coach Finidi George had stressed before the game that avoiding defeat in Abidjan would represent a positive outcome. He specifically identified a 1–1 draw as an acceptable result that would leave his side in a good position for the return leg.

Rivers United went into the continental assignment with confidence after opening their 2026/27 NPFL campaign with a 2–0 victory over Plateau United, while Finidi also highlighted the physical qualities of San Pedro and the youthful character of his own revamped squad.

Now, the equation is straightforward.

The two sides are level on aggregate, and Rivers United will have the advantage of playing the decisive second leg on Nigerian soil. The return fixture is currently listed for September 13, giving the Port Harcourt club the opportunity to complete the job in front of their supporters.

For a Rivers United side that reached the CAF Champions League group stage last season, the objective is clear: turn the away draw into qualification and keep Nigeria’s flag flying in Africa’s premier club competition.

A goal in Abidjan. A valuable draw secured.
Now, the Pride of Rivers must finish the job at home.

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Seattle Times and Newsday are the latest publications to sue OpenAI and Microsoft

Published

7 hours ago

September 5, 2026

Preport

Two more news organizations are suing OpenAI and Microsoft over the supposed use of their journalism to train AI.

A lawsuit filed by The Seattle Times and Newsday argued that with the advent of AI, the journalism industry could become “broken beyond repair.” The lawsuit described generative AI as “a snake eating its own tail” that could “destroy the very organizations” that produce the content it’s trained on.

“AI products like ChatGPT and CoPilot are touted as producers of content, but in fact they are rapacious consumers, devouring human-authored content and delivering back to the world copies and derivative imitations of that same original content they consumed to achieve their commercial objectives,” the lawsuit said.

Back in 2023, The New York Times sued OpenAI and its partner/investor Microsoft over alleged copyright infringement; other publications have followed suit as the case continued. The Seattle Times’ lawsuit is particularly notable because Microsoft and OpenAI have funded some of the organization’s journalism projects and fellowships.

A Microsoft spokesperson told GeekWire that the company is “surprised by the lawsuit” but is “always happy to sit down and explore solutions to this type of dispute.”