At least eight bandits were reportedly killed on Sunday by security operatives in Plateau State.
It was learnt that the bandits were neutralised during a joint clearance operation by the security agents in Sabongari community, Wase Local Government Area of the state.
A resident of Wase, Abdullahi Usman, who confirmed the killings said that the operation was led by men of Operation Safe Haven, a Multi-security task force deployed to restore law and order in the state, and vigilantes to flush out the bandits in Wase.
Usman said, “The operation began on Saturday and continued on Sunday.
“During the encounter, two villages of Zurak and Yaddi Lawan which served as the base for the bandits were burnt down and retaken by the security agents.
“Some of the bandits, about eight of them were killed while some ran out of the community.
“Those bandits who ran were pursued.
“It is a joint operation with soldiers and vigilantes and it was a successful operation.”
When contacted, the spokesman for the state Police Command, Alabo Alfred, said he was yet to be briefed on the incident.
“What I know is that there was a clearance operation at the Wase LGA. But I have not received any briefing from the DPO yet if our men were involved. As soon as I get details, I will let you know.”
The spokesperson for the Military Taskforce in the state, Major Ishaku Takwa, did not pick up his call when contacted about the incident.
The PUNCH had reported that communities in Wase local government council had come under attacks by bandits in the past few weeks, a development which forced many of the residents to vacate their homes.
However, 16 of the bandits were killed last week after members of the vigilante clashed with them in the neighbouring Bangalala community of the LGA but two residents lost their lives during the incident
