Terrorist Attack Leaves 20 Soldiers, Vigilantes Dead in Plateau

No fewer than 20 members of a joint security patrol were killed after terrorists ambushed them in Garga, located in Kanam Local Government Area.

The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Friday when a combined team of military personnel and vigilantes travelling in two vehicles on routine patrol across Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau and nearby communities was attacked near Wanka.

A statement released on Saturday by the Kanam Development Association said 12 security personnel, including two senior military officers, died during the gun battle, while eight vigilante members who joined the patrol also lost their lives.

Although some of the terrorists were reportedly killed during the exchange, the attackers later moved into Kyaram community where they looted property worth millions of naira and rustled several cattle from residents.

The association said the attack reflects the persistent insecurity affecting border areas connecting Plateau State, Taraba State and Bauchi State for the past three to four years.

According to the group, communities in the region have repeatedly suffered terrorist attacks, cattle rustling, kidnappings and property destruction despite multiple appeals for improved security.

In a statement signed by Chairman Barr. Garba Aliyu and Secretary Shehu Kanam, the group condemned the attack and called for urgent intervention by authorities.

They urged the immediate deployment of additional security forces and the establishment of permanent security posts in Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau, Wanka and other nearby communities.

“We called for enhanced coordinated operations along the Plateau-Taraba-Bauchi border as well as relief support for victims who have lost livelihoods, homes, and livestock,” the statement read.

The group also conveyed condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the families of the fallen security personnel and vigilantes, and affected communities, calling on authorities to treat the situation as a national security and humanitarian crisis.

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