Jubilation erupted in various villages of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State after soldiers and vigilantes descended on bandits’ hideouts in Kadil Masudu, killing at least five suspected criminals.

Sources told Daily Trust that the incident occurred around 11am on Tuesday, stating that Wase residents are happy with the victory after years of trouble and intimidation.

Our correspondent reports that bandits and kidnappers have been terrorising Wase communities for years.

This development comes two weeks after kidnappers attacked Dogon Ruwa community in Bashar District on market day, killing one person and abducting some businessmen.

Confirming the incident, youth leader Shapi’i Sambo said a vigilante group member lost his life while others were injured during the clash, adding that a kidnapped victim held captive for over a month was rescued by security operatives and vigilantes.

“It was a deliberate attack by security personnel and vigilantes. We have suffered from banditry attacks and kidnapping, paying ransoms worth millions of naira hence the need to take difficult decision to follow them to their hideous,” Sambo stated.

Abdullahi Usaini, a vigilante member, described as fierce the clash that lasted almost an hour before they killed the suspected kidnappers.

“The people are happy because we dislodged their hideouts. The security personnel, especially soldiers, have tried and shown doggedness,” he said.

The spokesman of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Major Samson Zhakom, did not respond to Daily Trust’s calls for comments at press time.