A mining site in Marit village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, was attacked by gunmen on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of at least five miners and injuring two others. Community sources confirmed the incident, which occurred amid renewed tension in parts of the state. The attack has been described as a painful development for communities that have repeatedly suffered violence.
Rwang Tengwong, spokesperson for the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), confirmed the Marit attack in a statement on Saturday. He stated that five persons were killed while two others sustained injuries, and called on security agencies to strengthen their presence in affected communities to prevent further attacks. A resident, Simon Mundat, also confirmed the deaths and appealed to the authorities to improve security in the area.
The police and the Nigerian Army had yet to respond to requests for confirmation of the Marit attack at the time of reporting. However, the incident has raised concerns over the security of mining communities and the activities of illegal miners in the state. The recurrence of violence around mining locations has become a fresh concern for authorities.
Meanwhile, soldiers rescued Musa Usman, the district head of Fursum in Jos East Local Government Area, after youths reportedly attacked his residence in Ninseng community on Friday. According to security sources, the youths accused Mr Usman of supporting Fulani residents, and he sustained injuries during the attack. His vehicle was also set ablaze, and he was evacuated to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for treatment.
The incident occurred after the killing of a resident at an illegal mining site in Nabar Dutse community, and troops from Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, intervened to bring the situation under control. The troops secured the area against further violence and possible reprisals. The two incidents have occurred as Plateau continues to grapple with renewed attacks and communal tensions in several parts of the state.
Earlier, security operatives, supported by local hunters, reportedly repelled an attack on Latok in Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area. A community member, Danat Noel, said the operatives engaged the attackers and forced them to withdraw. The latest attacks come days after the state government imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on three local government areas, including Barkin Ladi, following a series of attacks and killings.
The state Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, had urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding while security agencies worked to restore peace. The government’s efforts to address the security challenges in the state are ongoing, but the recurrence of violence has raised concerns over the effectiveness of these efforts. Authorities are working to prevent further attacks and ensure the security of mining communities.
Key points
- Five miners were killed and two others injured in the Marit village attack.
- Soldiers rescued the district head of Fursum after youths attacked his residence.
- The incidents have raised concerns over the security of mining communities and the activities of illegal miners in Plateau State.
