Wase: Over 80 Bandits 4 Vigilantes Killed in Fierce Plateau Clash

A deadly clash between bandits and a combined team of vigilantes and soldiers around Dutsen Zaki forest in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State has reportedly left over 80 bandits and four vigilantes dead, with 16 others injured.

The operation, which began Saturday morning and lasted until Wednesday, was confirmed by Abdullahi Hussaini, a local vigilante leader, who stated that over 300 vigilantes participated in the offensive targeting known hideouts in the dense forest.

“We are forced to face these armed men… The activities of the armed men have become a daily occurrence,” Hussaini said, adding that the forest is now under vigilante control.

The bandits—who had been using the forest around Zurak, Aduwa, Kinashe, and Odare villages—reportedly fled following heavy casualties. Among the dead were also wives of the bandits, according to vigilante accounts.

Shapi’i Sambo, a youth leader, confirmed the death of four vigilantes, including a commander, with a new leader already appointed to continue the operation.

The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Wase and a hospital in Bauchi State are currently treating the injured vigilantes.

Abdullahi Bin Umar, a resident, reported that many villagers had fled their homes amid fears of retaliation, noting the magnitude of the killings has created deep anxiety across the region.

Efforts to obtain comments from the military’s Operation Safe Haven were unsuccessful as Major Samson Zhakom had not responded at press time.

This incident follows an earlier clash two weeks ago in Kadil Masudu village, also in Wase LGA, where five bandits were killed.