Five miners have been killed and two others injured after gunmen reportedly ambushed them while they were carrying out mining activities in Marit village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident, which occurred at about 1pm on Saturday, plunged the community into mourning and renewed concerns over the safety of residents and miners operating in the area.
The spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, BYM, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the attack, saying five people were killed while two others sustained injuries.
Tengwong described the incident as painful and condemned the attack, calling on security agencies to take urgent measures to protect communities in the area.
He said, “Five persons were killed, while two others sustained injuries in the attack.
“It is a very sad and painful development. Our people are once again mourning the loss of lives to violence.”
He urged the authorities to strengthen security around the communities to prevent further attacks.
Also confirming the incident, a resident, Simon Mundat, described the attack as devastating and expressed concern over the loss of lives.
“We are deeply saddened by this attack. Five people have been killed and two others injured,” Mundat said.
“This is a very painful situation for the community. We appeal to the authorities to strengthen security in the area so that our people can go about their legitimate activities without fear.”
Efforts to obtain confirmation from security agencies were unsuccessful as of press time.
Security operatives repel attack in Qua’an-Pan
Meanwhile, security operatives, working with local hunters, reportedly repelled an attack by suspected terrorists on Latok community in Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attack occurred on Friday when the assailants reportedly invaded the community, prompting the deployment of security personnel to the area.
A resident, Danat Noel, said security operatives, supported by local hunters, responded swiftly and engaged the attackers.
According to him, the confrontation forced the assailants to retreat from the community in disarray.
The latest incidents have heightened concerns over the security of communities and residents in parts of Plateau State, particularly in areas where mining and other economic activities are taking place.
