Five miners killed in Plateau attack as troops rescue district head
At least five miners were killed and two injured when gunmen attacked a mining site in Marit village, Plateau State, community sources said. Separately, troops rescued a district head after youths reportedly attacked his residence in Jos East, amid continuing tension and a state-imposed curfew in parts of Plateau.
At least five miners were killed and two others injured when gunmen attacked a mining site in Marit village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, community sources said. Rwang Tengwong, spokesperson for the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, confirmed the deaths in a statement on Saturday. He described the incident as a serious development for communities that have repeatedly experienced violence and called on security agencies to strengthen their presence.
A resident, Simon Mundat, also confirmed the deaths and appealed to authorities to improve security. Police and the Nigerian Army had not responded to requests for confirmation at the time of the report. In a separate incident, soldiers rescued Musa Usman, the district head of Fursum in Jos East Local Government Area, after youths reportedly attacked his residence in Ninseng community.
Security sources cited by Zagazola Makama said the attack occurred at about 1:45 p.m. on Friday. The youths allegedly accused Usman of supporting Fulani residents.
He reportedly suffered injuries and was taken to Jos University Teaching Hospital for treatment. His vehicle was also reportedly set ablaze. The incident followed the killing of a resident at an illegal mining site in Nabar Dutse community, according to the report.
Troops from Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, responded to a distress call, brought the situation under control and secured the area against further violence and possible reprisals. The incidents came as Plateau faced renewed attacks and communal tensions. Security operatives and local hunters reportedly repelled an attack on Latok in Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area.
The state government has also imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on three local government areas, including Barkin Ladi. Commissioner for Information Joyce Ramnap urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding while security agencies worked to restore peace. The attacks have renewed concerns about safety around mining locations and illegal mining activity.
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