Three soldiers and seven vigilantes have been killed in Wanka community, Keram District, Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria.
Residents said the incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Friday when suspected bandits invaded the village, shooting sporadically.
Sources in the community revealed that several attackers were also killed during the confrontation.
According to residents, two captains of the Nigerian Army were leading the security operation in the area before the attack.
“The residents of the community have been living with the presence of bandits for some time,” said Musa Gambo, a resident.
“The bandits virtually control the area because they usually come, do whatever they like, and leave without forcing residents out of the community.
“On Friday morning, security personnel under the command of two captains stormed the community, engaged the bandits, and killed several of them, while others fled.
“However, hours later—even before the soldiers left—the bandits regrouped from nearby bushes and launched another attack on the soldiers and vigilantes working with the security personnel. This led to casualties on both sides. Many bandits also lost their lives,” he said.
Another resident, Ubale Ibrahim, described the attack as intense, noting that the assailants appeared heavily armed.
“It was a very terrible attack. The bandits were well equipped, which gave them the opportunity to confront the security personnel and the vigilantes.
“The engagement lasted for several minutes, but we are yet to ascertain whether other residents were affected,” he said.
Meanwhile, The Credibility News gathered that in February this year, the Nigerian Army deployed about 300 soldiers to the area as part of efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
