At least five miners have been killed and two others injured after gunmen attacked a mining site in Marit village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred around 1pm on Saturday while the victims were carrying out mining activities in the area.
Residents said the attack has thrown the community into mourning, with concerns raised over the safety of people engaging in legitimate economic activities across parts of the state.
Confirming the incident, National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, said five people were killed while two others sustained injuries.
‘It is a very sad and painful development. Our people are once again mourning the loss of lives to violence,’ Tengwong said.
He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect communities and prevent further attacks.
A community member, Simon Mundat, described the incident as devastating, urging authorities to strengthen security in the area.
‘We are deeply saddened by this attack. We appeal to authorities to strengthen security in the area so that our people can go about their legitimate activities without fear,’ he said.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the attack.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, security operatives working with local hunters reportedly repelled an attack by suspected terrorists on Latok community in Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area of the state.
A resident, Danat Noel, said the attackers invaded the community on Friday but withdrew following a response from security personnel and local hunters.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful as the Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, did not respond to calls and messages regarding the incident.