“We killed them and their wives. Many have fled. The forest is now under our control,” vigilante leader Abdullahi Hussaini said.
WASE, PLATEAU STATE — A joint operation between local vigilantes and military forces has resulted in the deaths of several suspected bandits and their spouses in Dutsen Zaki forest, Wase LGA.
The offensive, ongoing since Saturday, also claimed the lives of four vigilantes, with 16 others currently receiving treatment.
Abdullahi Hussaini, a local vigilante leader, confirmed that over 300 vigilantes entered the forest to dislodge armed gangs terrorising communities including Zurak, Aduwa, Kinashe, and Odare.
“We started the fight on Saturday… People cannot live in their houses because of fear,” Hussaini said. “This time, we killed them and their wives. Many have fled. The forest is now under our control.”
Youth leader Shapi’i Sambo confirmed the death of the vigilante commander during the operation and noted a replacement has been appointed.
Residents in nearby villages have fled amid fears of reprisals.
The operation, now in its fifth day, is aimed at permanently flushing out the criminals from the forest stronghold.
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