Three women have been killed and another person injured after gunmen attacked a mining site in Rakum community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attackers reportedly stormed the mining site at about 4:30pm on Monday and opened fire on workers before fleeing the area.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of residents and workers in parts of the state already facing security challenges.
The spokesman of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the attack to journalists in Jos.
He said three women were killed while another person sustained injuries during the attack.
‘This is another sad development that has further heightened concerns over the safety of people working and living in the area,’ Tengwong said.
He called on security agencies to investigate the attack, arrest those responsible and bring them to justice.
A resident of the affected community, John Silas, also confirmed the incident, saying the victims were carrying out their activities at the mining site when the gunmen attacked.
‘The attackers came to the mining site and opened fire on the people there. Three women were killed and another person was injured,’ he said.
Silas appealed to security agencies to strengthen efforts to protect communities and allow residents to carry out their legitimate activities without fear.
The attack comes amid heightened tension in parts of Plateau State, including Mangu, Barkin Ladi and Bokkos, where residents have reported a series of violent incidents.
The Plateau State Government had earlier urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding while assuring that it was working with security agencies to protect lives and property.