A fierce clash between vigilantes, soldiers, and suspected bandits in Dutsen Zaki forest, Wase LGA of Plateau state, has reportedly left dozens dead, including members of both the armed group and the local security outfit.
The fighting, which reportedly began on Saturday and continued into Wednesday, led to the deaths of scores of bandits and at least four vigilantes.
Sixteen injured vigilantes are currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Wase and another hospital in Bauchi state.
Dutsen Zaki, a dense forest in Bashar district, is bordered by communities such as Zurak, Aduwa, Kinashe, and Odare. The area has experienced repeated attacks by armed groups, forcing many residents to flee their homes.
This latest violence comes two weeks after security operatives and vigilantes killed five suspected bandits in Kadil Masudu village, also in Wase LGA.
Abdullahi Hussaini, a local vigilante leader, said over 300 vigilantes launched an offensive against the bandits in their hideouts.
He claimed that more than 80 bandits, including some of their wives, were killed during the multi-day operation.
“We started the fight since Saturday. People in Bashar axis can no longer live in their houses due to fear of attacks, killings, and kidnappings.
“The vigilantes were forced to take the fight to the bandits’ hideout,” he said.
Hussaini said the battle would continue until the forest is cleared of armed men, describing it as a difficult task due to the bandits’ prolonged occupation of the area.
He claimed the forest is now under the control of vigilantes, adding that many of the gunmen have fled.
Shapi’i Sambo, a youth leader in Wase, also confirmed the development. He said among the four vigilantes killed was the commander of the group.
A replacement has since been appointed to lead the ongoing operations.
Abdullahi Bin Umar, a resident of a nearby village, said communities bordering the forest have been largely deserted by fearful residents.
“People are really scared about what may happen in the coming days, given the number of bandits killed,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, Major Samson Zhakom, spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, had not responded to inquiries for official confirmation.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.
