Bandits kill soldier defending Plateau community
Soldier Killed in Clash with Armed Militants in Plateau State
A Nigerian soldier, identified as Lance Corporal Yusuf Zakari, was killed during a confrontation with suspected Fulani terrorists on Saturday, according to security sources. The incident occurred while troops were protecting Manja village in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security officials reported that Zakari and his unit, part of Sector 9 of the Operation Enduring Peace, were deployed to prevent the militants from advancing toward the community, which borders Bokkos LGA. As the troops encountered the attackers in the Manja Forest around 1:25 p.m., a fierce gun battle ensued.
A security personnel, who requested anonymity, confirmed that Zakari died in action after the blocking force came under heavy fire from the terrorists. “Despite their determined resistance, Lance Corporal Zakari was ambushed during the battle and was fatally wounded while defending his comrades and the civilian population,” the source said. The attackers reportedly seized the soldier’s weapon before retreating.
Jos-based conflict journalist Masara Kim Usman also addressed the incident on social media, reporting that armed militants assaulted Manja village while some residents were attending church services. Usman stated that the attackers fired indiscriminately and set homes ablaze, but a rapid military response allowed many civilians to escape.
“This attack represents another assault on Christian communities in Plateau State,” Usman noted. “Since June 1, over 50 lives have been lost in similar incidents, many of which, occurring in remote areas, go largely unreported. Together, they reflect a troubling trend.”
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, as community leaders call for prayers and efforts toward lasting peace in the region.
