In a fierce confrontation between soldiers and bandits in the Gandiri community of Bashar District, Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State, multiple lives were lost on both sides. The bloody raid took place on Monday evening as soldiers and local vigilante groups launched an offensive against the bandits, who had been terrorizing the area.
The attack came just two days after the body of a police officer, who had been kidnapped the previous week, was found in a bush near the Kampani community in the same district. Local sources revealed that the officer was killed by the bandits, intensifying the military’s determination to take action.
Residents of the Gandiri community explained that the battle began when soldiers and vigilantes tracked down the bandits to their hideouts. The bandits had been involved in several criminal activities, including cattle rustling and armed robbery, which had caused immense suffering for the local population.
The clash reportedly resulted in the deaths of many bandits. While the exact number of casualties remains unclear, security sources stated that over 15 bandits were killed, while some managed to escape the scene. During the operation, more than 100 cattle, believed to have been stolen, were recovered from the bandits.
However, the victory came at a cost, as several soldiers also lost their lives in the skirmish. According to Shapi’i Sambo, a youth leader in Wase, although the number of soldiers killed could not be precisely confirmed, some did pay the ultimate price in the line of duty. “The soldiers fought valiantly, and many bandits were killed, but we also lost some of our brave men,” Sambo said.
A member of the vigilante group, who participated in the operation and requested anonymity, further explained the situation. “We just returned from the area. I was among those who went with the soldiers. Sadly, three soldiers were killed during the fight, but we counted over 15 bandits dead. The community is relieved, as these bandits had been a serious threat to their lives, robbing them and stealing cattle at will.”
Despite the success of the operation, tensions remain high in the area, as Wase LGA has seen a series of violent attacks in recent months. In May, over 40 villagers were killed in an attack on Zurak community, with many others injured, including vigilantes supporting security forces in their efforts to restore peace.
The spokesman for Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, who leads the task force responsible for maintaining peace in Plateau State, has yet to respond to inquiries about the incident. Meanwhile, the community hopes that this latest offensive will mark a turning point in the fight against banditry in the region.
