Two feared killed in Plateau mining site attack

Two people are feared dead after suspected gunmen attacked a mining site around Kuru Jenta, near the boundary between Kuru Jenta in Jos South Local Government Area and Heipang in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident reportedly occurred around 11:30pm on Friday while the victims were at the mining site.

A community member, Weng Bulus, told journalists in Jos on Saturday that two people from Heipang District 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.

He condemned the incident and urged residents to avoid mining activities and other movements during the curfew hours 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,” he said.

Bulus added, “Residents should not violate the curfew, particularly by engaging in night mining, as such movements could expose them to security risks.”

The spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, also condemned the incident and called for an investigation.

“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 advised residents, particularly miners, to desist from night operations.

As of the time of filing the report, efforts to obtain confirmation from the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful. The command’s spokesman, Alabo Alfred, could not be reached as his phone was switched off.

The identities of the suspected attackers and the motive for the incident remained unclear.