A deadly confrontation erupted in the Gandiri community of Bashar District, Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State, as Soldiers and local vigilantes clashed with a notorious group of bandits.

The intense gun battle, which occurred on Monday evening, resulted in the deaths of numerous bandits and several soldiers. The operation was part of a larger effort by security forces to curb the escalating banditry in the area.

The raid came on the heels of a gruesome discovery made by the soldiers just two days earlier. The body of a police officer, who had been abducted the previous week, was found in a bush near the Kampani community within the same district. This discovery heightened tensions and motivated the security forces to take immediate action against the bandits, who were suspected of being responsible for the officer’s death.

Residents of the Gandiri community described the events leading up to the clash. According to them, the soldiers, along with vigilante groups, had received numerous reports of bandit activities in the area. These bandits had become a persistent menace, engaging in cattle rustling, armed robbery, and other violent crimes that terrorized the local population. Determined to put an end to these atrocities, the soldiers launched a raid on the bandits’ hideouts.

The ensuing battle was fierce and bloody. The bandits, who were well-armed, engaged the soldiers in a prolonged exchange of gunfire. Despite the heavy resistance, the security forces were able to overpower the bandits, killing many of them. According to local sources, more than 15 bandits were killed in the encounter, while several others managed to escape into the surrounding forests.

Tragically, the operation also claimed the lives of some soldiers. While the exact number of military casualties remains unconfirmed, eyewitnesses reported that at least three soldiers were killed during the battle. Shapi’i Sambo, a youth leader in Wase, expressed sorrow over the loss of life but emphasized that the operation was a necessary step in reclaiming the area from the bandits. “The soldiers were brave, and their sacrifice will not be forgotten. They have helped to bring some measure of peace to our community,” he said.

In addition to the human toll, the operation resulted in the recovery of over 100 cattle that were suspected to have been stolen by the bandits. The cattle had been a source of livelihood for many in the community, and their recovery was met with relief and gratitude by the local residents. “These bandits had been stealing our cattle and robbing us of our money and properties. We are grateful to the soldiers for taking this action,” said a member of the vigilante group who participated in the operation.

The bandits had established themselves as a significant threat in the Wase LGA, with several communities falling victim to their attacks in recent months. The raid in Gandiri was not the first time the area had experienced such violence. On May 21, a brutal attack on the Zurak community, also in Wase LGA, left over 40 villagers dead and many others injured, including members of the vigilante group who had been assisting the security forces in maintaining law and order.

Despite the success of the operation in Gandiri, the atmosphere in the region remains tense. Residents fear that the surviving bandits may regroup and retaliate, as has been the pattern in previous incidents. The local population is urging the government and security agencies to maintain a sustained presence in the area to prevent a resurgence of violence and to protect the gains made during the recent operation.

The spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, who leads the security task force responsible for peacekeeping in Plateau State, has not yet commented on the incident. His silence has left many in the community anxious for official confirmation of the details surrounding the operation and the fate of those involved.

As the community comes to terms with the aftermath of the clash, there is a renewed call for stronger security measures in Wase LGA. Local leaders are advocating for increased military presence, better intelligence gathering, and more robust support for vigilante groups, who have been instrumental in the fight against banditry. The hope is that these efforts will lead to lasting peace in the troubled region.