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 injuries to two others. The attack occurred at about 1pm, heightening concerns over the safety of residents and workers in parts of the state already experiencing tension following a series of attacks and killings.
The incident comes barely days after another mining-related tragedy in Plateau State, where four suspected illegal miners died following the collapse of a sand excavation pit at Tangur community in Bokkos LGA. The two incidents have drawn fresh attention to the risks confronting people engaged in mining and other mineral-related activities across the state.
Spokesman of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the Marit attack, saying five persons were killed while two others sustained injuries. He described the development as “sad and painful”, saying the community was once again mourning the loss of lives to violence.
A member of the community, Simon Mundat, also confirmed the casualty figure, describing the loss of lives as devastating. Mundat said the community was deeply saddened by the killing of five miners and the injuries sustained by two others, stressing that residents should be able to engage in legitimate economic activities without living in fear.
The latest incident adds to a growing security burden in parts of Plateau where rural communities have repeatedly experienced attacks, forcing residents to contend with threats while pursuing farming, mining and other livelihoods. The Plateau developments have coincided with a much larger mining-related controversy in neighbouring Niger State, where 37 suspected illegal miners died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) earlier this month.
The Federal Government subsequently ordered a full investigation into the Niger State deaths. President Bola Tinubu said the fact that the deceased were suspected of illegal mining did not remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody, and directed that the circumstances surrounding their arrests, detention and deaths be thoroughly investigated.
As of the time of filing this report, no official information had been issued by the security agencies on the Marit attack. Consequently, details concerning the identity of the attackers, their motive, whether any suspects had been arrested and the circumstances that led to the shooting could not be independently established. A curfew remains in force in affected areas, including Barkin Ladi, following recent attacks and killings.
Key points
- Five miners were killed and two others injured in the Marit attack.
- The incident is part of a growing security burden in parts of Plateau state.
- The attack occurred against the backdrop of a dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed by the Plateau State Government.
