By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Gunmen Kill 20 in Fresh Plateau Village Attack
At least 20 people have been killed following a deadly attack by armed bandits in central Nigeria, according to a local community organisation.
The assault took place on Friday in Plateau State, where gunmen reportedly ambushed security personnel on patrol before opening fire in a violent confrontation that left soldiers and local volunteers dead.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Kanam Development Association said the incident occurred in a village within the Kanam Local Government Area. The group explained that the attackers, believed to be members of armed criminal gangs commonly referred to as bandits, launched an ambush on troops who were carrying out a routine security operation in the area.
According to the association, the attack quickly escalated into a gun battle. Twelve members of the security forces were killed during the exchange, alongside eight civilians who had joined efforts to help defend their community.
The assailants were also reported to have stolen cattle during the raid before fleeing the scene.
Communities in parts of northern and central Nigeria have in recent years faced repeated attacks from heavily armed groups involved in cattle rustling, village raids and mass kidnappings for ransom. Locals commonly refer to the criminal gangs responsible for such assaults as “bandits.”
The persistent attacks have raised concerns among residents and local organisations, who say rural communities remain vulnerable despite ongoing security operations aimed at curbing the violence.
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