Gunmen Attack Plateau Mining Site, Two Killed During Night Operation
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Dhahartu Shedrack
Two people have been killed in an attack by suspected gunmen at a mining site around Kuru Jenta, near the boundary between Jos South and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 11:30pm on Friday while the victims were carrying out mining activities at the site.
A resident of the area, Weng Bulus, identified the deceased as natives of Heipang District and condemned the attack, describing the incident as another reminder of the security risks associated with movement and mining activities at night.
Bulus urged residents to take the curfew imposed by the Plateau State Government seriously, particularly the restriction on movement during prohibited hours.
He also advised artisanal miners and other residents operating in areas affected by insecurity to avoid night-time activities, warning that violating the curfew could expose them to attacks and other security threats.
According to him, residents should cooperate with security agencies and community leaders by adhering to the measures put in place to protect lives and property.
The spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, also condemned the killing and called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
Tengwong urged security agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack and ensure that they face the full weight of the law.
He further appealed to residents, particularly artisanal miners, to desist from operating at night in order to reduce their vulnerability to criminal attacks.
The latest incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of mining communities and residents living around the Jos South-Barkin Ladi axis, particularly at a time when authorities are enforcing measures aimed at restricting night-time movement.
Community members have continued to call for stronger security measures around mining locations, arguing that isolated mining sites can become vulnerable to attacks when operations continue late into the night.
The circumstances surrounding the attack, including the identity and motive of the suspected gunmen, remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful as of press time.
Security agencies are expected to investigate the incident and establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Authorities and community leaders have continued to urge residents to remain vigilant, comply with security directives and report suspicious movements or activities to the appropriate security agencies.
By: Dhahartu Shedrack
