A deadly ambush by suspected bandits on Monday has left at least 70 members of a vigilante group dead in Kukawa and Bunyun communities of Kanam Local Government Area, Plateau State.
Aliyu Baffa, the head of the vigilante unit in Kukawa, confirmed the attack while speaking with journalists. He said the assault occurred as a combined team of vigilante members from different formations in nearby Wase Local Government Area were heading toward a suspected bandit hideout.
According to Baffa, the ambush took place roughly one kilometer from Kukawa town, near a forested area known as Madam Forest — a known hotspot for criminal activity that borders Bauchi and Taraba States.
“The bandits were heavily armed and opened fire on our men, overwhelming them,” Baffa said. “We’ve already buried over 70 victims in Kukawa alone. Many others are still missing, and we fear more bodies may be found in the surrounding bush.”
He added that the vigilante team was en route to the forest reserve to gather intelligence when they were attacked without warning.
In Bunyun village, a nearby community also affected by the violence, residents confirmed further casualties. Musa Ibrahim, a local resident, reported that at least 10 vigilante members providing security were killed and several homes were set ablaze during the assault.
The attack is one of the deadliest in Plateau State in recent months and has sparked renewed calls for stronger security measures, especially in rural communities frequently targeted by armed groups.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement as of the time of this report, but local leaders have begun calling for immediate reinforcement and support to prevent further attacks.
