Scores have been reportedly been killed in a fierce clash between bandits and a combined operation of vigilantes and soldiers around Dutsen Zaki community in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
It was gathered that 16 vigilantes were allegedly injured in the clash and receiving treatment at a Medical Centre (FMC), in Wase town and another hospital in Bauchi State.
Dutsen Zaki is a thick forest surrounded by other villages, including Zurak, Aduwa, Kinashe, and Odare, in Bashar district of Wase LGA. But many residents of the area have recently fled their homes due to incessant attacks.
The latest incident occurred two weeks after security operatives and vigilantes killed five bandits in Kadil Masudu village of Wase.
Disclosing the latest development, Abdullahi Hussaini, a leader of the vigilantes in the area, told reporters that the fight started on Saturday morning until Wednesday, when vigilantes numbering over 300 took the fight to the bandits’ hideout Hussaini said the bandits vigilantes suffer loss and casualties in the incident.
“We started the fight since Saturday. We are forced to face these armed men. Hussaini said. Shapi’i Sambo, a youth leader in Wase, also confirmed the development, saying the four vigilantes killed in the clash included a commander of the vigilante group.
Abdullahi Bin Umar, a resident of one of the affected villages, confirmed the development to reporters.
The spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, was yet to respond to request for comment on the incident as of press time.
