Death toll in Friday’s attack by bandits on troops of the Nigerian Army and other security officers in Wanka district of Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State has risen above 20.
This is as security officials and the Kanam Development Association (KADA) have confirmed some other deaths.
The deadly attack occurred on Friday when a combined team of military personnel and vigilantes travelling in two vehicles on routine patrol across Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau, and neighbouring communities in the local government area came under heavy attack by the bandits who had laid an ambush for them.
Initial reports had confirmed that three army officers, including a captain and about seven members of the vigilante group were killed by the attackers.
However, in a statement late Saturday, the Kanam group confirmed that the heavily armed assailants gunned down more than 20 personnel.
In the statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of KADA, Garba Aliyu and Shehu Kanam respectively, the group said that at the time of the attack, about 12 security personnel lost their lives instantly, while eight vigilante members who joined forces to defend their communities also paid the supreme price.
The group added that the attackers later stormed the Kyaram Community, looting properties worth millions of naira and rustling a large number of cattle from residents where an unspecified number of people were also killed.
The statement read in part: “The Kanam Development Association (KADA) expresses deep sorrow, outrage, and grave concern over the tragic bandit attack that occurred yesterday at about 2:00 p.m. in Wanka and surrounding communities in the Garga area of Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“Confirmed reports available to our association indicate that security personnel on routine patrol across the communities of Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau, and other neighbouring settlements were ambushed on their way to Wanka by a large number of heavily armed bandits numbering in the hundreds. The patrol team consisted of military personnel and local vigilantes operating in two vehicles.
“In the unfortunate exchange of gunfire that followed the ambush, our nation lost brave defenders who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. About 12 security personnel, including two senior military officers, were killed.
“Additionally, eight vigilante members who courageously joined efforts to protect their communities also lost their lives. While reports indicate that some of the bandits were neutralized during the encounter, the loss suffered by our security forces and community defenders is deeply painful and unacceptable.”