Suspected bandits have killed at least 19 people in a deadly ambush near the Bauchi-Plateau border.
The attack occurred at about 5:40 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2025, near Duguri Mansur and Dajin Madam forest zones.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed this in his official X platform, formerly Twitter, that the victims includes hunters and fleeing villagers.
Armed bandits ambushed local hunters from Duguri and Gwana Districts during a routine forest patrol operation.
Eight bodies were found at the scene of the ambush shortly after the attack.
Eleven more victims, mostly from Sabuwar Sara village, were discovered along the bandits’ escape route.
Reports said the fleeing civilians were shot while attempting to escape from the heavily armed attackers.
The bandits reportedly used sophisticated weapons during the assault on both security volunteers and villagers.
Witnesses said the attack created widespread panic in surrounding communities near the forested border region.
In response, troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade launched a joint operation with police and other agencies.
Security forces are now combing the area to track down the attackers and restore calm.
Military sources confirmed the deployment of surveillance drones and ground troops to strategic locations.
Authorities said the ambush reflects rising insecurity in border communities between Bauchi and Plateau States.
Local residents called for urgent intervention and permanent military presence in the troubled area.
Community leaders expressed concern over repeated attacks by armed gangs operating from nearby forest hideouts.
They urged the federal government to strengthen intelligence operations across vulnerable rural settlements.
Security experts noted that forests around Duguri and Dajin Madam have become flashpoints for violent criminal activities.
Police spokespersons in Bauchi and Plateau have yet to release official statements on the attack.
However, internal security sources confirmed that clearance operations are currently ongoing in the region.
This latest ambush comes amid renewed fears of rural banditry across Nigeria’s North Central states.
Victims’ families are calling for justice and government support in the wake of the massacre.
Humanitarian groups have begun mobilizing aid to affected communities in Duguri and Gwana Districts.
The identities of some of the victims are still being verified by local authorities.
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