… Attackers Loot Kyaram, Rustle Hundreds Of Cattle As Communities Reel From Tragedy
Daud Olatunji
At least 20 security personnel and local vigilantes were killed Friday in a deadly ambush by heavily armed terrorists in the Garga area of Kanam Local Government Area, Plateau State, escalating fears over the worsening insecurity along the Plateau-Taraba-Bauchi border corridor.
The combined patrol team, comprising military personnel and vigilantes, came under intense gunfire near Wanka around 4pm while on routine patrol across Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau, and neighbouring communities.
According to the Kanam Development Association (KADA), the attack left 12 security officers, including two senior military officers, and eight vigilante members dead.
While some attackers were reportedly neutralised, they later stormed Kyaram community, looting property worth millions of naira and rustling hundreds of cattle from residents.
KADA described the assault as part of a protracted wave of terrorism, cattle rustling, kidnappings, and property destruction that has haunted the border communities for three to four years.
In a statement signed by Chairman Garba Aliyu and Secretary Shehu Kanam, the association condemned the continued freedom with which terrorists operate in the volatile area and called for urgent intervention from local, state, and federal authorities.
The group demanded the immediate deployment of additional troops and security forces, as well as the establishment of permanent security outposts in Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau, Wanka, and surrounding communities.
“We call for enhanced coordinated operations along the Plateau-Taraba-Bauchi border and relief support for victims who have lost livelihoods, homes, and livestock,” the statement said, emphasizing that the affected communities are law-abiding citizens merely seeking to farm, raise families, and contribute to national development.
Contrary to social media reports alleging that a soldier was beheaded during the attack, a military source confirmed that the claim is false.
The source noted that some images circulating online were recycled and unrelated to the Plateau incident.
The source explained that after troops initially subdued the attackers, some regrouped and launched a second strike targeting sections of the patrol working alongside vigilantes.
However, no soldier was mutilated, and the operation continues to secure the area.
“The community is relieved because the operation was a successful clearance aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action,” the source said, stressing that security forces would maintain operations until the threat is completely neutralised.
The Kanam Development Association extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and vigilantes and called on authorities to treat the crisis as both a national security and humanitarian emergency.
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