Plateau bandit attack leaves 20 security personnel and vigilantes dead in Kanam ambush, prompting urgent calls for stronger security deployment

At least 20 security personnel, including members of a local vigilante group, have been killed in a deadly ambush by bandits in the Garga area of Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Also read: Bandits abduct six worshippers in Kaduna Mosque

The attack occurred on Friday when a combined patrol team of military personnel and vigilantes travelling in two vehicles came under heavy gunfire near Wanka while conducting routine security operations across Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau and neighbouring communities.

The Kanam Development Association disclosed the incident in a statement issued on Saturday, revealing that about 12 security personnel, including two senior military officers, were killed during the fierce confrontation.

Eight vigilante members who had joined efforts to protect their communities also lost their lives.

Although some of the attackers were reportedly neutralised during the exchange, the bandits later advanced into Kyaram community where they looted property worth millions of naira and rustled a large number of cattle belonging to residents.

The association described the incident as part of a troubling pattern of insecurity that has affected border communities linking Plateau with Taraba and Bauchi states for more than three years.

It cited repeated incidents of banditry, kidnappings, cattle rustling and destruction of property despite persistent appeals to authorities.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Garba Aliyu, and Secretary, Shehu Kanam, the group demanded urgent government intervention and the immediate deployment of additional security forces to Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau, Wanka and surrounding settlements.

The association also called for the establishment of permanent security outposts in the affected communities to prevent further attacks and protect residents.

Also read: Sokoto bandits launch deadly Dabagin Yari attack

Meanwhile, the spokesman for the Joint Military Taskforce in Plateau State, Captain Chinonso Oteh, said an official statement on the incident would be issued soon.