The Kanam Development Association of Plateau State has raised the alarm over the killing of no fewer than 20 security personnel, including local vigilantes, by bandits.

According to the group, the security agents, who were part of a patrol team, were ambushed in the Garga area of Kanam Local Government Area on Friday.

Punch reported that their source gathered a lot of evidence that the incident occurred around 4 p.m.

When the combined team of military personnel and vigilantes, travelling in two vehicles on routine patrol across Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau, and neighbouring communities, came under heavy fire by bandits near Wanka.

The group, in a statement announcing the attack on Saturday, said about 12 security personnel, including two senior military officers, lost their lives in the gun battle, while eight vigilante members who joined forces to defend their communities also paid the supreme price.

The bandits subsequently invaded the Kyaram community, where they looted properties worth millions of naira and rustled a significant number of cattle.

KADA described the deaths of the security personnel and vigilantes as “deeply painful and unacceptable,” noting that the fallen operatives died while defending rural communities that have long faced repeated attacks.

In response to the worsening crisis, KADA is calling on the local council, Plateau State Government, and federal authorities to take swift and decisive action.

They want more troops and security personnel sent to Garga, Kyaram, Gyambau, Wanka, and nearby communities, along with permanent security outposts in these border areas.

KADA also stressed the need for coordinated security operations across the entire Plateau, Taraba, Bauchi corridor and urged authorities to provide relief for residents who have lost homes, livestock, and livelihoods.

The association expressed condolences to the families of fallen soldiers and vigilantes, as well as to affected communities, highlighting that the situation is both a national security and humanitarian emergency.

Attempts to get official comments from the Plateau State Government and police have so far been unsuccessful.

The Plateau State Government condemned the recent killings and promised stronger measures to bring back peace.

Joyce Ramnap, the Commissioner for Information, said Friday’s attack caused panic in Wanka, Kyaram, Gyambau, and nearby villages.

She also honored the officials who died, calling them heroes for protecting their communities.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang has reassured residents that Plateau State is committed to keeping people and communities safe.

The people in Kanam are urged to stay calm, be alert, and share reliable information with security agencies.

The government is working with local leaders and community heads to strengthen security and they also warned against spreading unverified news that could cause panic.

Plateau State is determined to protect lives, maintain peace, and take stronger action after recent attacks in the area.