Bandits ambush soldiers in Plateau, abduct priests in Kaduna

Suspected bandits terrorising villages in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Saturday ambushed an army troop on patrol at Zurak Kampani.

The bandits, according to locals, invaded the community when residents were bubbling with business activities as it was their market day.

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Zurak Kampani is over a 100km drive from Wase, the headquarters of the local government.

The spokesperson of the multi-security taskforce in the state, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Major Ishaku Takwa, who confirmed the ambush to this paper, however, denied that a soldier was killed during the incident.

But a resident of Wase town, Abdullahi Usman, had earlier told our correspondent that the bandits killed one soldier and injured one other during the ambush. 

He said the soldiers later repelled the attack.

Our correspondent reports that a day before the ambush, bandits stormed Pinau village of the same local government area and rustled over 500 cattle.

Wase communities have, in recent times, been experiencing attacks, which forced many to flee their homes.

In another incident, two Catholic priests identified as The Rev. Fr. John Mark Chietnum and The Rev. Fr. Donatus Cleopas have been kidnapped in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The chancellor, Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, The Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Uchechukwu Okolo, who confirmed the development to journalists yesterday, said they were abducted on Friday.

Okolo, who prayed for the unconditional release of their priests and other kidnapped victims, said they would use every legitimate means to ensure their quick and safe release.

The Kaduna police command was yet to speak on the incident at the time of filing this report.