Three Soldiers, Seven Vigilantes Dead After Bandit Attack in Plateau

Suspected bandits have killed three soldiers and seven vigilantes during an attack on Wanka community in Keram District of Kanam Local Government Area, Plateau State.

Residents said the incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Friday when armed men stormed the village and opened fire, causing panic among villagers.

A community source told *Daily Post* that two army captains were among the soldiers killed in the confrontation.

According to the source, security personnel led by the two captains had earlier arrived in the community and engaged the bandits in a gun battle on Friday morning. Several bandits were reportedly killed during the operation, while others fled into nearby bushes.

However, the attackers later regrouped and launched a counter-attack before the soldiers left the area.

“Hours after the initial clash, the bandits returned from the surrounding bushes and attacked the soldiers and the vigilantes supporting them. There were casualties on both sides, and several bandits were also killed,” the source said.

The resident added that the armed group appeared heavily equipped, which enabled them to confront the security team and local vigilantes during the exchange of gunfire that lasted several minutes.

It remains unclear whether any residents were injured during the incident.

Locals also claimed that armed groups had been operating around the community for some time, moving in and out of the area without forcing residents to leave.

Captain Polycarp Oteh, spokesperson for Operation Enduring Peace, did not respond to calls or text messages seeking confirmation as of the time of filing this report.

Communities in Wase and Kanam local government areas, which share a border, have repeatedly recorded attacks linked to bandit groups in recent months.