A violent clash erupted between suspected bandits and members of the Miyetti Allah Vigilante group in Odare Forest, near Kukawa village in Dengi District, Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday, July 7.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the confrontation began around 4:30 p.m. when vigilantes entered the forest for an operation and were ambushed by armed bandits, resulting in a heavy exchange of gunfire.
Community sources reported casualties on both sides, though the exact number of those injured or killed remains unconfirmed. The difficult terrain and dense forest have complicated access to the area, hampering assessment efforts.
"A joint security team responded to a distress call and moved to the area, but thick forest and difficult terrain have made access challenging. For now, efforts to fully assess the situation inside the forest have not been successful due to security risks," Makama stated.
Military and other security agencies have launched a coordinated operation to gain control of the area and determine the full extent of the incident. Authorities have urged residents of nearby communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements.
This incident comes amid ongoing security challenges in Plateau State, where rural communities have increasingly relied on vigilante groups for protection against banditry and other criminal activities.
The Miyetti Allah Vigilante group has been active in various parts of northern Nigeria, working to protect communities and combat criminal elements operating in remote forest areas.
BenriNews will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available from security agencies operating in the area.
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