Scores Feared Dead in Renewed Communal Clashes in Plateau
By peterside Rejoice Eneky
Scores of people are feared dead following a violent clash between armed bandits and a combined team of vigilantes and soldiers in Dutsen Zaki, a forested community in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The clash, which reportedly began on Saturday and lasted until Wednesday, left at least 16 vigilante members injured, with some receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Wase and others in a hospital in Bauchi State.
Dutsen Zaki, located in the Bashar district, is surrounded by several villages including Zurak, Aduwa, Kinashe, and Odare all of which have witnessed repeated attacks in recent months, forcing many residents to flee their homes.
The latest incident occurred barely two weeks after security operatives and local vigilantes killed five suspected bandits in Kadil Masudu village, also in Wase.
Confirming the development, a vigilante leader, Abdullahi Hussaini, told reporters that over 300 local fighters mobilised and launched an assault on the bandits’ hideout in retaliation for previous attacks.
“We started the fight since Saturday. We were forced to face these armed men,” Hussaini said, adding that both sides recorded casualties.
A youth leader in the area, Shapi’i Sambo, also confirmed the deaths, noting that four vigilantes were killed in the attack, including a commander of the group.
Another resident, Abdullahi Bin Umar, confirmed that residents of several communities have fled for safety, fearing more attacks.
As of press time, the spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Zhakom, had not responded to enquiries on the incident.
The renewed violence has heightened tensions in Wase and its environs, with calls for urgent intervention by security agencies and the state government to prevent further bloodshed.
Efforts to restore calm in the troubled region are ongoing, even as residents continue to live in fear amid worsening insecurity.
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