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… Attackers sack Kyaram, rustle hundreds of cattle as communities reel from tragedy
Daud Olatunji
At least 20 security personnel and local vigilantes were killed in a deadly ambush by heavily armed terrorists in Garga area of Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State on Friday, raising fears of 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 routinely patrolling Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau and nearby communities.
According to the Kanam Development Association (KADA), the attack resulted in the deaths of 12 security officers, including two senior military officers, and eight security guards.
Although some attackers were neutralized, they later stormed the Kyaram community, looting properties worth millions of naira and stealing hundreds of livestock from residents.
KADA described the assault as part of a long wave of terrorism, cattle rustling, kidnapping and property destruction that has haunted border communities for three to four years.
In a statement signed by President 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 called for 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 increased coordinated operations along the Plateau-Taraba-Bauchi border and humanitarian aid for victims who have lost livelihoods, homes and livestock,” the statement read, stressing that the affected communities are law-abiding citizens simply seeking to farm, raise families and contribute to national development.
Contrary to reports on social media that a soldier was beheaded during the attack, a military source confirmed 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 the troops initially subdued the attackers, some regrouped and launched a second attack targeting sections of the patrol working alongside the vigilantes.
However, no soldiers were injured and the operation continues to secure the area.
“The community is relieved because the operation was a successful operation aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action,” the source said, stressing that security forces will maintain operations until the threat is completely neutralized.
The Kanam Development Association expressed its condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and vigilantes and called on authorities to treat the crisis as both a humanitarian and national security emergency.
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