At least seven people have been killed in a fresh attack on a mining site in the Kuru community of Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The attack, which occurred on Wednesday night, also left several others injured, according to state officials.
The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Artisanal Mining, Mr Emmanuel Solomon, confirmed the incident on Thursday, describing it as part of a disturbing pattern of assaults on miners in the area.
“I have just been informed about the attack in the Kuru community which happened last night. Seven people died in the attack. I am about to go to the community to see things by myself,” Solomon said.
He described the incident as “rather unfortunate,” noting that it followed similar attacks on miners in recent days within Jos South.
“Just before yesterday, in another community in Gyel, three people were attacked. One of them escaped, but unfortunately, two died. They were on their way to a mining site when they were ambushed and killed,” he explained.
Solomon added that about two weeks ago, gunmen also ambushed another group of miners, killing two persons and injuring one.
“The injured victim is currently receiving treatment at Lome Hospital. Sadly, the person who died in that incident is my younger brother. It is unfortunate that some people are just moving about killing innocent people in the state,” he said.
He stressed that the situation requires urgent government intervention and assured that the Plateau State Government would take steps to enhance security around mining communities.
“This issue requires urgent attention, and the government will look into it to ensure that miners have adequate security backup going forward,” Solomon stated.
As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the attack.
