By Our Correspondent
National News – Armed bandits have reportedly killed at least 20 security personnel, including soldiers and local vigilantes, in a deadly ambush in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attack, which occurred on Friday afternoon, has heightened concerns about worsening insecurity in communities bordering Taraba and Bauchi states.
Local sources revealed that the victims were part of a joint patrol team made up of military personnel and community vigilantes.
The security team was reportedly travelling in two patrol vehicles across Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau, and surrounding settlements when they were ambushed by heavily armed bandits near Wanka community.
According to community leaders, the attack happened during a routine security patrol aimed at curbing banditry and protecting residents from frequent attacks.
The assailants, said to be numbering in the hundreds, opened fire on the patrol team, triggering a fierce gun battle.
The Kanam Development Association confirmed that about 12 security personnel, including two senior military officers, were killed during the confrontation.
In addition, eight vigilante members who joined the operation to defend their communities were also killed in the attack.
Despite the heavy losses suffered by the security forces and vigilantes, reports indicate that some of the bandits were neutralised during the exchange of gunfire.
However, after the ambush, the attackers reportedly stormed Kyaram community, looting properties worth millions of naira and rustling a large number of cattle belonging to local residents.
Community leaders say the latest attack is part of a prolonged wave of insecurity that has plagued several border communities in Plateau State for the past three to four years.
Residents have repeatedly raised alarm over persistent cases of bandit attacks, cattle rustling, kidnappings, and destruction of properties.
The association called on the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently intervene by deploying additional troops to the affected communities.
It also urged authorities to establish permanent security outposts in Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau, Wanka, and nearby areas to prevent further attacks.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Joint Military Taskforce in Plateau State, Capt. Chinonso Oteh, said an official statement on the incident would be released soon.
