Gunmen attacked a mining site in Rakum community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Monday, killing three women and injuring another person. The attackers stormed the site around 4:30pm and opened fire on workers before fleeing. The incident was confirmed by Rwang Tengwong, spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, who described it as another sad development heightening concerns over safety in the area.
According to Tengwong, the attack resulted in the deaths of three women, while another person sustained injuries. He called on security operatives to immediately apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of people working and living in the area, with calls for increased security measures to prevent further attacks.
A community member, John Silas, also confirmed the incident, stating that the attack occurred around 4pm. Silas expressed deep worry over the incident, noting that people should be able to go about their legitimate businesses without being attacked. He appealed to security operatives to intensify efforts to track down the attackers and prevent further attacks in the community.
The latest incident comes amid a resurgence of deadly attacks across Plateau State in recent weeks, particularly in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bokkos local government areas. Despite a curfew imposed by the state government, attacks have continued, including a reported killing of six people at Laja village in Mangu on Saturday.
Additional attacks have been reported in Cantoma and Bin-Per villages in Mangu and Kasa village in the Marit District of Barkin Ladi, heightening tension in the affected communities. The Nigerian Bar Association in Plateau State has condemned the developments, calling for increased security measures to protect lives and property.
As of Monday, security agencies had yet to issue a statement on the mining site attack. Attempts to contact the Plateau State Police Command for comment were unsuccessful, with calls to the spokesman, Alabo Alfred, going unanswered. The lack of official response has raised concerns about the government's ability to address the security challenges in the area.
The attack on the mining site has further highlighted the security challenges facing Plateau State, with residents and stakeholders calling for urgent action to address the situation. The incident has also raised concerns about the impact of such attacks on the local economy and the well-being of residents.
Key points
- Three women were killed and one person injured in the mining site attack.
- The incident is part of a resurgence of deadly attacks across Plateau State in recent weeks.
- Security agencies have yet to issue a statement on the attack or provide an update on efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.
