At least 70 vigilantes were feared dead after suspected bandits ambushed their team in Wase LGA of Plateau State on Sunday.
Locals said the vigilantes, drawn from Plateau and Taraba, entered the forest to confront armed gangs but were overwhelmed. Over 60 bodies were reportedly buried in Kukawa community.
A resident alleged the vigilantes had earlier raided homes, seized motorcycles, and accused villagers of harbouring criminals. Minutes after heading into the forest, gunfire erupted, and many were seen retreating.
Security agencies have yet to comment. A retired police officer, Bulus Ajiji, said the vigilantes lacked proper training and should not have gone alone. Civil rights activist Steve Aluko called on the government to support local security efforts to tackle banditry effectively.
