Tension and grief have gripped residents of Wanka community in Keram District of Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State after suspected bandits attacked the area and killed three soldiers and seven local vigilantes.
The attack occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Friday when the gunmen stormed the village and began shooting sporadically. The sound of gunfire caused panic among residents, forcing many people to run for safety.
Sources in the community said the incident followed a confrontation earlier in the day between security forces and the bandits who had been operating in the area for some time.
According to local sources, the security operation in the morning was led by two army captains. The soldiers, supported by vigilantes from the community, reportedly moved into Wanka to confront the bandits who were believed to have been hiding around the area.
During the operation, several bandits were said to have been killed, while others fled into nearby bushes. However, the situation later turned deadly when the gunmen regrouped and returned to launch a fresh attack on the soldiers and vigilantes.
One source in the community explained that the bandits struck again even before the security team had completely left the area.
“Hours after the incident, and even before the soldiers left, the bandits regrouped from the nearby bushes. They attacked and engaged the soldiers and the vigilantes working with them, leading to casualties on both sides,” the source said.
According to the source, the gun battle lasted for several minutes. The bandits were reportedly heavily armed, which enabled them to confront the security personnel and local vigilantes.
At the end of the confrontation, three soldiers and seven vigilantes were confirmed dead. Community sources also said that two army captains were among the soldiers killed during the attack.
Although the exact number of casualties among the bandits remains unclear, sources said several of them were also killed during the clashes with security forces.
The attack has left residents of Wanka and nearby communities in fear. Many people reportedly stayed indoors after the shooting stopped, worried that the gunmen could return.
A resident said the community had been living with the presence of bandits for some time. According to him, the gunmen had gradually taken control of the area, moving in and out without much resistance.
He explained that the bandits had not forced residents to abandon their homes but had been operating freely within the area.
“Before this incident, the locals had been co-existing with the bandits for some time. They used to come around, do as they pleased, and leave without forcing residents out of the community,” the source said.
This situation, according to residents, had created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, as people were never sure when violence might break out.
Security challenges involving bandits have become a major concern in many parts of northern Nigeria in recent years. Armed groups have carried out attacks on villages, highways, and farms, often leading to deaths, kidnappings, and displacement of residents.
In several states across the region, bandits have been known to operate from forest areas and remote communities, making it difficult for security forces to track and eliminate them.
Although Plateau State has traditionally experienced conflicts related to communal and land disputes, recent reports indicate that bandit activities have also begun to affect some parts of the state.
Communities in rural areas are often vulnerable because of their distance from major security formations. As a result, local vigilante groups frequently work with soldiers and other security agencies to protect their communities.
However, vigilantes often face serious risks due to limited equipment and training compared to the heavily armed criminal groups they confront.
Residents of Wanka say the latest attack highlights the growing danger faced by both civilians and security personnel in the area.
Local leaders have reportedly called for stronger security presence in Keram District and other affected communities within Plateau State. They believe increased patrols and sustained military operations are needed to prevent further attacks.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not released an official statement on the incident. However, residents hope that additional security forces will be deployed to restore peace and prevent another deadly confrontation.
Meanwhile, families of the slain soldiers and vigilantes are mourning their loved ones, while the community continues to grapple with the shock of the attack.
For many residents, the events of Friday serve as a painful reminder of the continuing security challenges facing rural communities across parts of northern Nigeria.
