20 Security Operatives Feared Killed In Plateau

At least 20 security personnel and vigilantes were killed when bandits ambushed a patrol team in  Garga area of Kanam local government area of Plateau State yesterday.

The incident occurred around 4pm yesterday when a combined team of military personnel and vigilantes, travelling in two vehicles on routine patrol across Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau, and neighbouring communities, came under heavy gunfire near Wanka.

According to a press statement issued by the Kanam Development Association (KADA), about 12 security personnel, including two senior military officers, lost their lives while eight vigilante members who joined forces to defend their communities also paid the supreme price.

Some bandits were reportedly killed during the exchange, and the attackers later invaded Kyaram community, looting properties worth millions of naira and rustling a large number of cattle from innocent residents.

The statement jointly signed by Barr. Garba Aliyu the chairman and Shehu Kanam (Secretary), expressed deep sorrow over the loss and condemned the continued freedom with which bandits operate in the volatile border corridor.

Spokesman of the state police command DSP Alfred Alabo when contacted  did not respond to enquiries sent to him by our correspondent at press time.