The death toll from Friday’s attack by bandits on security operatives in Wanka district of Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State has risen to over 20.
Security officials and the Kanam Development Association (KADA) confirmed additional casualties following the incident.
The attack occurred when a joint team of personnel from the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes, travelling in two vehicles on routine patrol across Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau and nearby communities in Kanam LGA, were ambushed by heavily armed bandits.
Earlier reports indicated that three army officers, including a captain, and about seven vigilante members were killed during the assault.
However, in a statement released late Saturday, KADA revealed that the number of those killed had risen significantly, noting that more than 20 security operatives lost their lives in the attack.
According to the statement signed by KADA Chairman Garba Aliyu and Secretary Shehu Kanam, at least 12 security personnel were killed on the spot, while eight vigilante members who joined efforts to defend their communities also lost their lives.
The group further disclosed that the attackers later invaded Kyaram community, looting properties worth millions of naira and rustling a large number of cattle from residents. An unspecified number of civilians were also reportedly killed during the raid.
Part of the statement reads: “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.”
The group described the attack as part of a prolonged wave of insecurity that has plagued Kanam border communities linking Plateau with Taraba and Bauchi States for several years now, culminating in recurring incidents of banditry, cattle rustling, kidnappings, and property destruction, despite repeated appeals to authorities.
It also called for the immediate deployment of additional military and security forces to Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau, Wanka, and surrounding areas, as well as the establishment of permanent security outposts in these border communities.
The association also called for urgent intervention from the local government, state, and the federal government to provide succour for the victims and displaced persons in the affected communities.
“We call for enhanced coordinated operations along the Plateau-Taraba-Bauchi border as well as relief support for victims who have lost livelihoods, homes, and livestock,” the statement said.