Scores of bandits and vigilantes were reportedly killed in a fierce clash during a combined operation of vigilantes and soldiers around Dutsen Zaki community in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

16 vigilantes,who reportedly sustained injuries in the clash are currently receiving treatment at Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Wase town and another hospital in Bauchi State.

Dutsen Zaki is a thick forest surrounded by villages such as Zurak, Aduwa, Kinashe, and Odare in Bashar district of Wase LGA.

Many residents recently fled their homes due to incessant attacks.

The latest incident occurred two weeks after security operatives and vigilantes killed five bandits in Kadil Masudu village of Wase.

Disclosing the latest development on Wednesday, Abdullahi Hussaini, a leader of the vigilantes in the area, told Daily Trust that the fight started on Saturday morning and continued until Wednesday.

He said over 300 vigilantes took the fight to the bandits’ hideout.

According to Hussaini, over 80 bandits including their wives were killed while four vigilantes also lost their live in the incident.

“We started the fight since Saturday. We are forced to face these armed men. People in around 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 daily occurrence. That is why vigilantes are taking the fight to their hideout,” Hussaini said .

The vigilante leader further explained that the fight would continue until all the armed men leave the area, noting 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, also confirmed the development, saying the four vigilantes killed in the clash included a commander of the group, adding that a new commander had been appointed to continue the operation.

Abdullahi Bin Umar, a resident of one of the affected villages, confirmed the fight, saying, “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.”

The spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, had not responded to request for comment on the incident as of press time.

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