Bandits attack mining site in Plateau, kill five youths

Not less than five youths were killed and several others injured by gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits during an attack at a local mining site in Gero village, Gyel District of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Tuesday, June 16.

The attack, which took place at about 3 p.m., came barely hours after gunmen invaded the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, which is located about five kilometres away, where three security operatives were killed.

A resident of the Gero community, Festus Dalyop, who confirmed the incident to our correspondent, said the victims were engaged in mining activities when the assailants arrived on motorcycles and opened fire on them, killing five instantly while others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Also confirming the incident, National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth-Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, condemned the NIPSS attack and the killing of the miners, which he described as evidence of growing security threats in and around the area.

“These attacks reflect worsening insecurity in surrounding communities and raise concerns about the safety of residents as well as strategic national institutions in the area,” Tengwong said in an interaction with journalists.

While expressing concerns over the safety of participants at the institute and residents of the larger community, Tengwong called for urgent intervention by security agencies to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among affected communities.

“We once again urge government authorities to strengthen security surveillance and ensure the protection of lives and property,” he said.

The state Police spokesman, SP Alfred Alabo, who also confirmed the incident, said investigations have begun while a manhunt has been launched for the perpetrators of the act.

Bandits attack mining site in Plateau, kill five youths