Gunmen have killed seven miners and injured several others in a fresh attack on a mining site in the Kuru community of Jos South Local Government Area in Plateau State, local authorities and residents confirmed on Thursday.
The attack occurred late Wednesday night when armed assailants, suspected by residents to be armed militia, stormed the mining site and opened fire on workers engaged in mining activities. Seven victims were confirmed dead at the scene, while others sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment.
A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the incident, described the attack as “brutal and unprovoked,” saying it has heightened fear among residents and mining workers across the area.
He said security agencies have since been notified and were expected to increase patrols in the affected communities.
The Plateau State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the attack at the time of publication, but local security sources said police and other security personnel had been mobilised to the scene to secure the area and prevent further violence.
The latest incident compounds a series of violent attacks in Plateau State that have targeted farmers, miners, and other civilians in recent months, reflecting persistent insecurity in parts of the state, particularly in rural and mining communities.
Residents and local leaders called on state and federal authorities to strengthen security deployments and address the root causes of violence to protect lives and livelihoods.
They also urged community members to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could help prevent future attacks.
Plateau State has experienced recurring attacks by armed groups over the past year, resulting in significant loss of life and property in several local government areas.
Community leaders have repeatedly appealed for enhanced security measures and sustainable interventions to curb the wave of violence.
The killing of the miners underscores ongoing challenges facing the state’s security apparatus in protecting vulnerable communities and individuals engaged in artisanal mining and other economic activities.
