At least three women were confirmed killed, while several others were injured when gunmen suspected to be Fulani militias attacked a mining site in Rakum community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers stormed the mining site at about 4:30 pm on Monday and opened fire on workers, killing the victims and injuring others before fleeing the area.
A survivor of the attack, John Sabo, who narrated the incident to journalists, said the assailants were identified as Fulani men who came to the mining site from nearby rocks and bushes and opened fire on people who were looking for their daily bread.
“We are deeply worried because people should be able to go about their legitimate businesses without being attacked. We are appealing to the security operatives to intensify efforts to track down the attackers and prevent further attacks in the community,” Sabo said.
Also confirming the incident, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, BYM, Rwang Tengwong, said the attack was another sad development that had further heightened concerns over the safety of people working and living in the area.
Tengwong, in a statement made available to journalists, said the latest attack had once again shown that the perpetrators of violence in Plateau State were not willing to sheath their swords and allow peace to return.
“The incident happened at Rakum. Three women were killed, while another person was injured when the attackers stormed the mining site and opened fire,” he said.
“We are calling on the security operatives to immediately go after the perpetrators and ensure that those responsible are arrested and brought to justice,” Tengwong pleaded.
He noted that the latest violence was coming amid a resurgence of deadly attacks across the state in recent weeks, particularly in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bokkos Local Government Areas, despite a curfew imposed by the state government.
Gunmen attack Plateau mining site, kill three women, injure others