Massacre in Plateau: Over 70 Vigilantes Slaughtered in Brutal Bandits’ Ambush

A devastating ambush by armed bandits in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State has left more than 70 vigilantes feared dead in what residents and community leaders are calling one of the worst massacres in recent memory. The deadly attack occurred early Sunday morning, just a kilometer from Kukawa town, as local vigilante groups attempted to confront the armed criminals hiding in the nearby forest.

Eyewitnesses and residents report that the vigilantes, drawn from communities across Plateau and neighboring Taraba State, had mobilized in response to a wave of recent attacks in the region. Musa Ibrahim, a resident of Bunyun in Nyalun ward, confirmed that ten vigilantes from his area—five from each state—were killed and buried on Monday. According to him, many more died in the forest after a fierce gun battle broke out.

“In Kukawa alone, we buried more than 60 bodies this morning. Others may still be lying in the bush,” Ibrahim said, his voice heavy with grief.

Tensions escalated further after residents of Kukawa accused some of the vigilantes of attacking innocent civilians while en route to the forest. According to Baffa, chairman of a local vigilante group, the men arrived around 1:30 a.m. from Dogon Ruwan Safiyo, allegedly to pursue the bandits. However, they allegedly turned on the community, beating residents, vandalizing shops, and looting over 150 phones and dozens of motorcycles.

“They were accusing us of sheltering bandits,” Baffa said. “We told them the criminals are hiding in the forest, not in our homes. But they didn’t listen. Then, just minutes after entering the bush, we heard heavy gunfire. Some vigilantes fled, saying they were overpowered. This morning, we reported everything to the police.”

Youth leader Shapi’i Sambo confirmed the magnitude of the tragedy. “Many were killed. We are still gathering reports from the various communities to determine the total number of casualties. But it’s a lot,” he said.

Despite growing concern, the Plateau State Police Command has remained silent. Repeated calls and messages to police spokesperson DSP Alabo Alfred were unanswered as of Tuesday afternoon. Similarly, Operation Safe Haven’s spokesperson, Major Samson Zhakom, acknowledged inquiries from reporters but offered no comment on the incident.

Security experts have blamed the high death toll on the lack of proper training and coordination. Retired Assistant Superintendent of Police, Bulus Ajiji, said vigilantes should not be sent into such dangerous operations without professional support.

“If these vigilantes had gone with conventional security forces, this tragedy might have been avoided. Fighting well-armed bandits requires planning, intelligence, and tactical movement. These are not things you learn on the street,” Ajiji warned.

Sunday’s attack is just the latest in a string of violent incidents that have plagued Wase and surrounding areas. In April 2022, over 50 people were killed when gunmen raided Kukawa and other villages in Kanam Local Government Area. In June this year alone, multiple clashes between bandits and joint security teams have been reported in Dutsen Zaki and Kadil Masudu. In May, hundreds fled Dogon Ruwa community following another brutal invasion.

Calls are mounting for the federal government to take decisive action. Steve Aluko, Executive Director of Civil Liberties Organizations, said the government must empower local communities with both resources and protection.

“The police are overstretched and under-equipped. The solution lies in enabling locals to defend themselves properly. That includes training, oversight, and full coordination with national security forces. Above all, the government must secure the forests where these bandits operate with impunity,” Aluko said.

As families continue to bury their dead and communities brace for further attacks, the silence from authorities has only deepened the anguish. Residents say without immediate and decisive intervention, the cycle of violence may only escalate.