70 Vigilantes Killed in Plateau Forest Ambush – Community Leader
At least 70 members of a local vigilance group have been killed following a deadly ambush by gunmen in Bunyun community, Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau state.
The attack reportedly occurred around 2 pm on Monday, as the vigilantes were heading to a forest hideout in the government reserve forest, popularly known as Madam Forest, in pursuit of suspected bandits.
Aliyu Baffa, chairman of the vigilance group in Kukawa, said the vigilantes had mobilised from Dogon Ruwan Safiyo to confront the armed men in the forest.
“But to our surprise, the vigilantes started beating innocent residents of the community. They vandalised shops and looted phones,” he said.
“They also entered people’s homes and seized over 150 phones. They seized almost 30 motorcycles from the residents, claiming they would ride them to the forest.”
According to Baffa, the vigilantes accused locals of harbouring criminals. “They were even accusing us of hiding the bandits in the villages. We told them that we were not hiding criminals, that the criminals were in the forest, and they should follow them to the area.”
Shortly after the vigilantes advanced into the forest, gunshots were heard, indicating a confrontation.
“A moment later, we started seeing some vigilantes withdrawing, saying they were overwhelmed by the bandits,” Baffa added.
He said over 60 bodies had already been buried in Kukawa alone.
“We have buried more than 60 in Kukawa alone. More bodies could likely be recovered from either side. Some vigilantes who escaped confirmed that they were overwhelmed by the bandits.”
