6 bandit bodies recovered after Plateau ambush on soldiers

Abdullahi Yakubu, a traditional leader of Safiyo in the Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, has reported that six bodies of bandits were recovered after they ambushed soldiers and vigilantes in the Dogon Ruwa community. Yakubu, known as Turakin Safiyo, said the bandits’ bodies were found on Wednesday morning. It would […]

Abdullahi Yakubu, a traditional leader of Safiyo in the Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, has reported that six bodies of bandits were recovered after they ambushed soldiers and vigilantes in the Dogon Ruwa community.

Yakubu, known as Turakin Safiyo, said the bandits’ bodies were found on Wednesday morning.

It would be recalled that Yakubu had previously informed Daily Trust on Tuesday that bandits ambushed and killed at least two soldiers and vigilantes who were tracking them on the outskirts of Dogon Ruwa.

 He noted that the soldiers and vigilantes were caught off guard.

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Providing an update on the incident, Yakubu explained that on Wednesday morning, soldiers and vigilantes teamed up and returned to the scene, where they recovered the six bodies.

“After the incident, soldiers and vigilantes reinforced and moved to the scene where six bodies were recovered.

 “The faces of the killed bandits were painted black. We believe they painted their faces to disguise themselves.”

Dauda Salami, a vigilante working with security personnel in the area who survived the attack, also confirmed to Daily Trust that the bandits’ bodies were recovered by soldiers stationed in the area.

Narrating the ambush, Salami said, “We were in a security camp when we were alerted that the bandits were heading to a community; they were seen on several motorcycles. We then mobilized, but unknown to us, while we were on our way, we suddenly fell into their trap.”

The vigilante further explained his narrow escape: “I hid behind a tree with my local gun, and a moment later, my bullets finished. There was nothing I could do while the battle was going on. I had to remain behind the tree until all the bandits left.”

Salami expressed sorrow for his fallen comrades: “We have really missed our colleagues, and we will live to remember them. It was quite unfortunate. We are still in pain over the loss. These soldiers are really helping us. If we can have gallant soldiers like that, there would be peace everywhere because for any report of a threat, they quickly respond. They do whatever it takes to prevent loss of lives and our property.”

Major Samson Zhakom, spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, a security task force maintaining peace in the state, is yet to respond to inquiries from our correspondent regarding the incident.