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 attack happened around 1pm on Saturday while the victims were working at the site.
Residents said the incident has left the community mourning and raised fresh concerns about the safety of people carrying out legitimate economic activities in parts of the state.
Rwang Tengwong, National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, confirmed that five people were killed and two others injured.
“It is a very sad and painful development. Our people are once again mourning the loss of lives to violence,” Tengwong said.
He urged security agencies to step up efforts to protect communities and stop further attacks.
Simon Mundat, a community member, also described the incident as devastating.
“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.
Security agencies had not issued an official statement as of the time of filing this report.
Separately, security operatives and local hunters reportedly repelled suspected terrorists who attacked Latok community in Qua’an-Pan LGA on Friday. Resident Danat Noel said the attackers withdrew after the security response.
