A deadly clash between soldiers and bandits in Gudiri community, Bashar District, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The confrontation occurred just two days after soldiers discovered the body of a police officer who had been abducted the previous week in the nearby Kampani community.
According to reports, the gunfight erupted on Monday evening when soldiers, alongside local vigilantes, launched an offensive against the bandits following repeated reports of criminal activities in the area. The security forces managed to dislodge the bandits from their hideout, dealing a significant blow to their operations.
Local sources revealed that over 100 cattle, suspected to have been stolen by the bandits, were recovered during the operation. However, the clash was not without loss for the security forces, as some soldiers also paid the ultimate price.
Shapi’i Sambo, a youth leader in Wase, confirmed the incident, noting that while the exact number of casualties remains unclear, a considerable number of bandits were killed during the confrontation. He also acknowledged the loss of soldiers in the battle, highlighting the ongoing threat the bandits posed to the community.
A member of the vigilante group, who chose to remain anonymous, disclosed that three soldiers were killed, while over 15 bandits lost their lives in the skirmish. The residents of Gudiri expressed relief at the security operation, as the bandits had been terrorizing the area, stealing cattle, and robbing people of their belongings.
In recent months, Wase LGA has witnessed a series of violent attacks by gunmen suspected to be bandits. One such attack on May 21 in Zurak community resulted in the deaths of over 40 villagers and left many others injured, including vigilantes who had been assisting security forces in maintaining order in the district.
