At least five miners were feared killed and two others injured after gunmen reportedly attacked a mining site in Marit village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attack occurred at about 1pm on Saturday while the miners were carrying out their activities at the site.
The incident left residents mourning and renewed concerns over the safety of communities in the area.
Confirming the attack, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, Rwang Tengwong, said five people were killed while two others sustained injuries.
“It is a very sad and painful development. Our people are once again mourning the loss of lives to violence,” Tengwong said.
He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect communities and prevent a recurrence of the attack.
A community member, Simon Mundat, also described the incident as devastating.
“We are deeply saddened by this attack. We appeal to authorities to strengthen security in the area so that our people can go about their legitimate activities without fear,” he said.
As of the time of filing the report, efforts to obtain official confirmation from security agencies were unsuccessful.
Related attack
In a separate incident, security operatives, working with local hunters, reportedly repelled an attack by suspected terrorists on Latok community in Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A resident, Danat Noel, said the attackers invaded the community on Friday but were forced to retreat after security personnel and local hunters responded.
The latest incidents have heightened concerns about the safety of residents and people engaged in legitimate economic activities in parts of Plateau State.