18 killed as bandits and vigilantes clash in Plateau village

About 16 suspected bandits and two vigilantes were reportedly killed during a clash between the two groups in Bangalala town of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.  

Bangalala is over 100 kilometres from Wase town, the headquarters of the local government area.  

Wase villages have been experiencing activities of bandits, kidnappers and cattle rustlers, forcing many people to flee their homes.

Our correspondent reports that the incident occurred when the vigilantes took the fight to Bangalala village, which has been under the control of bandits for some months.  

Abdullahi Usman, a resident of Wase, disclosed that the vigilantes took the fight to the bandits following the killing of villagers and the incessant attacks being launched on various communities of Wase. He said the vigilantes deemed it necessary to confront the assailants.  

Shapi’i Sambo, a youth leader in Wase, who also confirmed the development, said people had resorted to assist the security agencies to salvage the affected communities, saying it was high time the bandits were eliminated considering the damages they had been causing in the area.  

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Operation Safe Haven, a multi-security task force maintaining peace in the state, Major Ishaku Takwa, said the command was not briefed on the matter. (Text, excluding headline: Daily Trust)