Two people are feared dead following an attack by suspected gunmen at a mining location in Kuru Jenta, Plateau State.
The mining site, located close to the boundary between Kuru Jenta in Jos South Local Government Area and Heipang in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, came under attack at about 11:30 pm on Friday.
Community sources said the victims, who were from Heipang District, were at the site when the gunmen reportedly opened fire on them.
A community member, Weng Bulus, confirmed the incident to The PUNCH in Jos on Saturday, saying two people were shot during the attack.
“Two persons from Heipang District were shot dead by suspected gunmen at the mining site around Kuru Jenta last night,” Bulus said.
Bulus expressed concern over the incident and advised residents to stay away from mining activities at night, noting that the operation occurred during the curfew imposed by the state government.
“The victims were at the mining site during the period of the curfew imposed by the state government. I want to urge residents to remain vigilant and avoid movements during restricted hours.
“Residents should not violate the curfew, particularly by engaging in night mining, as such movements could expose them to security risks,” Bulus said.
Reacting to the development, the spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, Rwang Tengwong, described the incident as unfortunate and demanded an investigation by security agencies.
“This killing is unfortunate. We condemn it in totality.
“We call on security operatives to investigate the killing, identify those responsible and bring them to justice,” Tengwong said.
He also urged residents, particularly those involved in mining, to avoid operating at night.
Attempts to obtain confirmation from the spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, were unsuccessful as his telephone was switched off at the time of filing the report.
