Armed bandits who invaded a community in the Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, got more than they bargained for when they were engaged by armed vigilantes of the community.
In the exchange of gunfire between the bandits and the vigilantes, 16 of the bandits reportedly fell, while two of the vigilantes paid the supreme price.
According to the residents, the incident happened in the Bangalala community of the Council area on Saturday evening.
A source said, “The bandits who had earlier given a quit notice to residents to evacuate or be attacked, had invaded the village with the aim of attacking the people when they met stiff resistance from the local vigilantes.
“The bandits thought they would have it easy as always when they attacked Bangalala but they were surprised when the local vigilantes stood up to them and 16 of them were killed while others escaped with injuries. Sadly, we lost two of the gallant vigilante members.”
The spokesman for the state Police Command, Alabo Alfred, said he was unaware of the incident when he was contacted by the Punch on Sunday in Jos.
“The attack by the bandits or killings in Wase community was not reported to the police. So, we are not aware of any killings in the community but we are investigating to ascertain whether it actually happened or not,” he said.
