Suspected bandits have killed two soldiers and two vigilantes in an ambush near Dogon Ruwa community, located in the Bashar District of Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at approximately 1:00 a.m. According to local sources, the security team, comprising military personnel and local vigilantes, was pursuing the criminals following intelligence about a possible attack on the community.
Residents revealed that the gunmen had earlier been sighted attempting to launch an assault on Dogon Ruwa. Community members quickly alerted the security agencies, prompting a swift response from both soldiers and vigilantes who mobilized and advanced towards the suspected location.
Unbeknownst to the security team, the bandits had laid a deadly ambush. As the soldiers and vigilantes approached the area, they were met with heavy gunfire, which led to the death of four operatives — two military personnel and two members of the vigilante group.
Speaking to Daily Trust, the traditional leader overseeing the Safiyo area, under which Dogon Ruwa falls, Alhaji Abdullahi Yakubu, confirmed the incident and expressed deep sorrow over the attack. He condemned the killings and described the assault as cowardly and premeditated.
“There was a report indicating that some armed men were planning to invade Dogon Ruwa. Upon receiving this alert, the security forces promptly responded by heading towards the area where the criminals had reportedly been seen,” Yakubu explained.
“Unfortunately, the bandits had already positioned themselves in hiding and ambushed the team, killing two soldiers and two vigilantes in the process.”
Another resident, Ibrahim Sale, also spoke on the incident, disclosing that the attackers went further by seizing the soldiers’ rifles and uniforms after killing them. He added that the development has left the entire Dogon Ruwa community, along with neighboring settlements, in a state of fear, confusion, and unrest.
The attack is one in a series of violent incidents that have continued to plague communities in parts of Plateau State, despite ongoing efforts by security forces to contain the rising insecurity.