No fewer than five miners have been shot dead and two others seriously injured after gunmen attacked them at a site in Marit village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Saturday.
This attack happened amid high tension in some parts of the state.
Spokesman of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident, saying it happened around 1pm.
According to him, “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, who also confirmed the incident, said the loss of lives was 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.”
Spokespersons of the Operation Enduring Peace and the State Police Command, Captain Polycarp Oteh, and SP Alabo Alfred, had yet to issue any statement as of the time of this report.
On Monday, the state government had imposed dusk to down curfew in three LGAs, including Barikin Ladi, to restore law and order following attacks and killings.
The state government in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, on Friday, condemned the incessant attacks in the affected communities, urging residents to remain calm and law abiding.
Meanwhile, security operatives, in collaboration with local hunters, have repelled an attack by suspected terrorists on Latok community in Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A member of the community, Mr Danat Noel, said security operatives, supported by local hunters, responded swiftly and engaged the attackers, forcing them to withdraw in disarray
