Families of soldiers 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 shared accounts of their final moments, describing the tragedy as deeply painful and traumatic.
According to Daily Trust, in separate interviews, the bereaved families expressed profound grief over the incident, which occurred during a security operation targeting banditry and kidnapping in parts of Plateau State. The clash reportedly involved armed groups operating from the Madam forest, a vast area spanning Plateau, Bauchi State, Gombe State, and Taraba State.
According to reports, the confrontation resulted in the deaths of 20 soldiers and eight vigilantes, including two army captains and a colonel. Residents of Wanka also indicated that about 20 bandits were killed during the exchange of gunfire.
Among those confirmed dead were Aliyu Hajji, who hailed from Anguar-Kura-Lokoja in Kogi State, and Muhammad Sulaiman from Bauchi State.
A relative of Captain Hajji, Danladi Abdulsalam, paid tribute to him, describing him as a dedicated officer who died in service to the nation. He noted that his death represented not only a significant loss to his family but also to his state and the country as a whole.
A member of Hajji’s family, Alhaji Musa Tanimu Nasidi, said: “Hours before the incident, the late officer had shared a heartfelt message on his social media page marking the first anniversary of his mother’s passing.
“That post reflected his deep sense of family, humility and faith. Little did many know that shortly afterward, the same fate of death would come knocking on his own door.” Read_More…