After 70 killed, Plateau vigilante vows to fight bandits

A vigilante leader in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, Abdullahi Hussaini, has vowed they would not surrender in the fight against bandits and kidnappers despite the recent loss of many members.

recalls that on Monday, over 70 vigilantes were killed in an ambush in the Kukawa community in Kanam and Bunyun village in Wase.

It was gathered that hundreds of vigilantes had grouped to track down bandits in their hideouts due to the rampant attacks in various villages of Wase LG in recent years.

Reacting to the incident on Tuesday, Hussaini, who also participated in Sunday’s fight, acknowledged the losses and injuries but insisted:

We will never surrender to the bandits and kidnappers.”

He explained that the fight would only end under three conditions: if the bandits leave Wase, repent, or if they are defeated.

“The casualties we recorded will not discourage us from continuing the fight against banditry in the Wase area. Death is inevitable; everyone will die. So, we’ll continue the fight,” he declared.

He called on Nigerians to pray for their success.

The vigilante leader also urged citizens across the country to stand firm against bandits, warning that their activities pose a serious threat to national security and unity.

Meanwhile, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has commissioned an additional 150 agro-rangers to provide dedicated security for farmers and their produce across the state.

Speaking at the passing-out parade of the trainees at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Command and Staff College, Naton-Fursa, Jos East Local Government Area of the State, on Tuesday, the governor said the initiative was a strategic intervention aimed at ensuring food security and ultimately achieving food sovereignty in Nigeria.

According to a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, the governor reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and inclusive development.

“Nigerian farms are national assets that must be protected. Also, the journey of farmers to and from the farms must be safe and secured if we are to guarantee food security for our nation,” he said.

Mutfwang thanked God and acknowledged the significance of the event in the ongoing efforts to strengthen security and peace across Plateau State.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support, and to the nation’s security chiefs for their collaborative efforts in addressing the security challenges confronting the state.

He specifically commended the NSCDC for its innovative agro-rangers initiative, describing it as a laudable strategy that complemented the efforts of conventional security agencies in safeguarding rural communities and farmlands.

“While our security forces continue to uphold the sovereignty and internal stability of the country, the agro-rangers initiative by the NSCDC is a timely and commendable response to the unique security needs of our agrarian communities,” the governor noted.

He emphasised that rural insecurity undermined national stability and economic growth, warning that a hungry population was vulnerable to manipulation.

He stressed the importance of ensuring farmers could cultivate and harvest their crops without fear or threat.

“Our farms are critical national assets that must not only be protected but also cultivated to attain food security and food sovereignty.

“These agro-rangers have been trained to ensure that farmers can return home safely and that the fruits of their labour are not destroyed,” he added

Mutfwang further revealed that security agencies, including the agro-rangers, recently facilitated the peaceful evacuation of thousands of stranded cattle from Bokkos Local Government Area without incident, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining peace through professionalism and dialogue.

Addressing the graduating agro-rangers, the governor charged them to discharge their duties with integrity, fairness, and patriotism.

“What you are called to do is beyond a job, it is a noble sacrifice for your fellow citizens.

“Uphold justice and fairness, and remain committed to the mission of safeguarding our food systems and communities,” he said.

Earlier, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi, noted that this was the second batch of agro-rangers deployed in Plateau State. He affirmed the corps’ determination to support the state government in tackling security challenges, especially in farming communities.

“We are proud to be partners in the journey toward sustainable peace and food security. The agro-rangers are specially trained to provide security cover for farmers, and we are committed to expanding their operations across the country,” he stated.

Dr Audi had earlier paid a courtesy visit to Mutfwang at his residence, during which they held productive discussions on strategies to further address insecurity in the state.