At least 70 people were killed and dozens more injured in an ambush by armed bandits targeting local vigilantes on Monday in Plateau State’s Kanam region, in north-central Nigeria, local officials said.
According to community leaders and residents, the victims were part of a volunteer force drawn from various villages to confront recurring bandit attacks in the area. The group was reportedly en route to a known criminal hideout in the government-controlled Madam Forest when they were ambushed.
“We have buried more than 60 people. No fewer than 70 were killed,” said Aliyu Baffa, head of the local vigilante network. Survivors described being outnumbered and outgunned.
The attack has displaced large numbers of residents. “They burned our homes and left us with nothing,” said Kazeeem Muhammad, who fled to neighbouring Taraba State. “The vigilantes who were protecting us are now dead.”
Community youth leader Shapi’i Sambo said efforts were still underway to recover bodies and identify the missing.
Nearly 24 hours after the massacre, Plateau State police had yet to issue a formal statement. Repeated attempts to reach police spokesperson Alabo Alfred went unanswered.
Bandit violence continues to plague Nigeria’s northwest and north-central regions, where armed groups frequently raid villages, abduct civilians for ransom, and burn property. Despite President Bola Tinubu’s promises of a tough stance on security, the deadly cycle of attacks remains largely unchecked.