By Sabiu Abdullahi
At least five miners have been killed and two others injured after gunmen attacked a mining site in Marit village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred on Saturday amid heightened tension in parts of the state.
The spokesman of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the attack and said it occurred at about 1pm.
He said, “Five persons were killed while two others sustained injuries in the attack. It is a very sad and painful development. Our people are once again mourning the loss of lives to violence.
“We condemn this attack and call on the security agencies to urgently take steps to protect our communities and prevent further attacks.”
A member of the community, Simon Mundat, also confirmed the incident and described the loss of lives as devastating.
Mundat said, “We are deeply saddened by this attack. Five people have been killed and two others injured.
“This is a very painful situation for the community. We appeal to the authorities to strengthen security in the area so that our people can go about their legitimate activities without fear.”
Attempts to obtain comments from the spokespersons of Operation Enduring Peace and the Plateau State Police Command, Captain Polycarp Oteh and SP Alabo Alfred, were unsuccessful as of press time.
The attack came days after the Plateau State Government imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in three local government areas, including Barkin Ladi, following a series of attacks and killings.
The state government, through the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, had on Friday condemned the continued attacks in affected communities and urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding.
Meanwhile, security operatives, with support from local hunters, reportedly repelled an attack by suspected terrorists on Latok community in Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area.
A resident, Danat Noel, said security personnel and local hunters responded to the attack and engaged the assailants, forcing them to retreat from the community.
