At least four persons were killed in a clash between bandits and vigilantes on Thursday in the Dogon Ruwa community, Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
City & Crime reports that Wase villages had witnessed series of banditry attacks over the past two years, resulting in numerous killings and kidnappings. Hundreds of cattle have been rustled by the bandits.
Abdullahi Shu’aibu, a vigilante and youth leader in Wase, confirmed the latest incident to City & Crime. He stated that “The bandits arrived at the community at night, intending to kidnap residents. They parked their motorcycles near the village, but we had received information about their plans.
“The bandits entered houses, selected individuals for kidnapping, unaware that vigilantes were lying in wait near the motorcycles. As they attempted to escape with the abductees, vigilantes engaged them, killing three of them. Unfortunately, one vigilante was also killed.’’
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The vigilante further revealed that hundreds of residents from various communities have fled to Wase town due to incessant attacks and cattle rustling.
Suaibu, who is currently in Wase town, confirmed to City & Crime that herders continue to arrive with their cattle in Wase and neighbouring towns seeking refuge.
He added that, “Some fleeing residents are currently in Wase, while others have relocated to other places due to fear of the unknown.”
DSP Alabo Alfred, spokesperson for the state police command, did not respond to our correspondent’s inquiry on the incident.
Our correspondent, however, reports that on August 21 this year, there was a similar incident where many bandits and some soldiers were reportedly killed in a gun duel in the Guidry community of Bashar District.