Tragedy struck in Plateau State on Monday as over 70 local vigilante members were killed by bandits in an ambush around Kukawa and Bunyun communities in Kanam Local Government Area.
According to the chairman of the Kukawa vigilante group, Aliyu Baffa, the victims were part of a joint security team drawn from several local vigilante groups in Wase LGA. They had come together to trace the location of known bandit hideouts in the area.
Baffa shared that the vigilantes were suddenly attacked by armed bandits, who were waiting for them with powerful weapons. The bandits opened fire unexpectedly, killing many of the vigilantes instantly.
He further explained that by evening, over 70 bodies had been found and buried in Kukawa. However, he fears the death toll may rise as several of their men are still missing and could be lying dead in the nearby bushes.
The attack happened just about a kilometer from Kukawa town, close to a government-owned forest reserve called Madam Forest. The area, which connects Plateau State with Bauchi and Taraba States, is believed to be a base for bandits.
“We’ve buried over 70 people in Kukawa,” Baffa said. “Our men were caught off guard. The bandits came with more advanced weapons and were too strong for us.”
Meanwhile, in Bunyun village, the violence also hit hard. Musa Ibrahim, a local resident, confirmed that 10 more vigilantes who were guarding the area were also killed. In addition to the killings, the bandits set many houses in the village on fire, leaving residents in fear and despair.
