Families of military personnel and vigilantes who lost their lives in Friday’s attack in Wanka village, located in the Kyaram district of Kanam Local Government Area in Plateau State, have recounted the victims’ final moments, describing the ordeal as profoundly traumatic and heartbreaking.
According to Daily Trust, relatives of the deceased, in separate interviews, conveyed deep grief over the incident, which occurred during a security operation targeting banditry and kidnapping in the region. The clash reportedly involved armed groups thought to be operating from Madam Forest, a vast area spanning Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba states.
The confrontation resulted in the deaths of 20 soldiers and eight vigilantes, including two army captains and a colonel. Residents of Wanka also reported that around 20 bandits were killed during the gunfire exchange.
Among the victims were Captain Aliyu Hajji, a native of Anguar-Kura-Lokoja in Kogi State; Captain Muhammad Sulaiman from Bauchi State; and vigilante member Muhammad Shurehu.
Idris Inusa, father of Muhammad Shurehu (deceased), said: “I’m saddened by the loss of my son, but it was ordained that he would give his life in the cause of protecting his community.
“He was courageous and I supported him.
“I recall that on the day of the incident, he greeted me in the morning, informing me they were going on an operation and asked me to pray for him, which I did.” Read_More…