From cattle rustling to bloodshed: How 12 miners were killed in Plateau

The killing of 12 illegal miners at an abandoned mining site in Fann District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, has highlighted the deepening insecurity and recurring cycle of reprisal attacks between herders and local communities in the state.

The incident occurred on the night of December 16, 2025, when armed men, reportedly wearing military-style uniforms, invaded a mining site in Tosho community.

The attackers reportedly rounded up the miners and demanded information about cattle stolen from Nding community on December 10.

When no information was provided, the gunmen opened fire, killing 12 miners, abducting three others and injuring several victims.

Investigations revealed that the attack was a reprisal linked to the rustling of 171 cattle earlier in the month across Nding and Bakin Kogi communities.

The miners, who were operating despite an existing ban on night mining, were exposed due to the illegal nature of their activities and the delayed reporting of the attack to security agencies.

Troops of Sector 2, Operation Enduring Peace, were deployed the following morning and launched operations to secure the area and rescue those abducted.

The Fann District killings are part of a broader pattern of escalating violence across Plateau State.

In the days that followed, coordinated attacks were reported in Barkin Ladi and Jos East local government areas, leading to the rustling of 168 cattle.

In another incident, nine cows reportedly died after grazing on poisoned pasture in Kwi village, Riyom Local Government Area.

Tensions further escalated with the killing of four children in Dorong village, Foron District of Barkin Ladi LGA, allegedly in retaliation for the earlier cattle rustling. Community members said the attack occurred amid growing fear and warnings of impending reprisals.

Similarly, in Gero village, Jos South LGA, at least 10 cattle were reportedly killed and several others injured in an attack allegedly targeting Fulani herders.

Local sources claimed repeated complaints to authorities over such incidents had not received adequate response, reinforcing perceptions of selective intervention.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama has repeatedly warned that attacks on herders, including cattle rustling and livestock poisoning, often trigger retaliatory violence against civilians, creating a vicious cycle.

He noted that alleged inaction or selective enforcement by authorities has contributed to a growing sense of impunity, emboldening criminal elements and armed groups.

According to Makama, the persistence of reprisal attacks underscores the urgent need for decisive action by the Plateau State Government and security agencies.

He stressed the importance of arresting and prosecuting perpetrators on all sides, alongside non-violent conflict resolution efforts, to address the root causes of the crisis.

Without firm and balanced intervention, Plateau State risks continued cycles of violence, where attacks against one group provoke retaliation against another, leaving vulnerable communities—particularly women and children—most affected.