Plateau: 300 Vigilantes take war to bandits’ base in forest, lose 4

….. even bandits wives and children were shot

The wounded vigilantes are receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre in Wase and another undisclosed hospital in Bauchi State.

A coordinated effort between local vigilante groups and military personnel has led to the deaths of several suspected bandits and their spouses in Dutsen Zaki, a forested settlement in the Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The offensive, which began on Saturday and continued through Wednesday, has also claimed the lives of four vigilantes, with 16 others currently receiving treatment for injuries.

Daily Trust reports that Abdullahi Hussaini, a leader of the local vigilante group, disclosed that the operation is now in its fifth day and was launched to flush out armed gangs terrorising surrounding communities, including Zurak, Aduwa, Kinashe, and Odare in the Bashar district.

He stated that the fighting began on Saturday morning and intensified until Wednesday.

Hussaini stated that over 300 vigilantes entered the forest and confronted the criminals. However, many of them, including their wives, were neutralised. Unfortunately, the vigilantes lost four of their own in the process.

He described the development as a “great success,” noting that the bandits had long made Dutsen Zaki forest a stronghold for launching attacks on nearby communities.

The wounded vigilantes are receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre in Wase and another undisclosed hospital in Bauchi State.

“We started the fight on Saturday. We are forced to face these armed men. People on the Bashar axis are no longer safe. People cannot live in their houses simply because of the fear of attack, killing and kidnapping. The activities of the armed men have become a daily occurrence. That is why vigilantes are taking the fight to their hideout,” Hussaini said.

The vigilante leader further stated that the operation would persist until all the armed men were driven out of the area, emphasising that, “It is not an easy task, given how the bandits have made the forest their home for so long. We have made several attempts in the past but haven’t succeeded. But this time around, we killed them and their wives. Many of them have also fled. The forest is now under our control.”

Shapi’i Sambo, a youth leader in Wase, confirmed the development, stating that among the four vigilantes killed in the clash was the commander of the group. He added that a new commander has since been appointed to lead the ongoing operation.

Abdullahi Bin Umar, a resident of one of the affected villages, also confirmed the fighting. He said, “Residents of villages sharing borders with the forest have fled their communities for fear of the unknown. People are really scared about what may happen in the coming days, given the number of bandits killed.”

Credit: Dakly Trust