Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Bandits have struck Wanka community in Keram district, Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing 10 persons.
The incident happened on Friday.
The victims were said to be three security operatives and seven vigilantes in the encounter which lasted over several hours
Villages in Wase and Kanam, which share a border, have consistently witnessed bandit attacks.
The latest attack came after the Nigerian Army deployed 300 soldiers to the area to counter bandit attacks, kidnappings and other criminal activities in the localities.
Eyewitness said that the incident occurred around 6:30 pm when the bandits, in large numbers, stormed and invaded the village and opened fire sporadically.
However the bandits were said to suffered casualties and security agencies and some members of the vigilant group engaged them, killing several in the process.
A resident of the area, Gambo Musa, confirmed that three security operatives were among the casualties.
According to him, “We have been living in fear of bandit attacks for some time. So, on Friday morning, security personnel stormed the community under command and engaged the bandits killing several of them while others fled.
“Hours after the incident, and even before the security operatives left, the bandits regrouped from nearby bushes, attacked and engaged them and the vigilantes working with the security, leading to casualties on both sides.
Many bandits have also lost their lives,” Musa added.
Ibrahim Ubale, another resident, l, described the attack as terrible, explaining that the bandits were well-equipped, which enabled them to confront the security personnel and vigilantes.“
Ubale said the engagement lasted for several hours, but the number of residents affected were yet to be ascertained.
When contacted, the image maker for Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Polycap Oteh, was not available as he did not respond to calls as at press time.