Two feared killed in Plateau mining site attack

Two persons are feared killed after suspected gunmen opened fire at 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, according to community sources, occurred at about 11:30 pm on Friday while the victims were at the mining site.

A member of the affected community, Weng Bulus, told The PUNCH in Jos on Saturday that two persons from Heipang District were shot during the incident.

“Two persons from Heipang District were shot dead by suspected gunmen at the mining site around Kuru Jenta last night,” Bulus said.

Bulus condemned the incident and cautioned residents against engaging in mining activities at night.

“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.

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

Also reacting, the spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, Rwang Tengwong, condemned the attack and called on security agencies to investigate the incident.

“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.

Tengwong also cautioned residents, particularly miners, against engaging in night operations.

Efforts to reach the spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, for confirmation of the incident were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report, as his phone was switched off.