At least 12 miners have been killed following a fresh attack by gunmen in the Faan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. Many others are still missing, while several victims were injured during the violent incident.
The attack, which occurred on Tuesday night, has once again raised serious concerns about insecurity in Plateau State, especially in rural communities where mining activities are common.
The Berom Educational and Cultural Organization (BECO) confirmed the incident in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday. The statement was signed by the Chairman of BECO, Mr Dagallang Davott, who also serves as the Secretary of the Mining Committee in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
According to BECO, the gunmen attacked the miners while they were actively working at a mining site in the Fan District. The attackers reportedly arrived at night and opened fire on the miners without warning.
Davott described the attack as unprovoked and brutal, saying the miners were peacefully engaged in their work when the gunmen struck.
“On Tuesday, December 16, there was an attack at the Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. It happened in the night. The gunmen stormed the mining site and opened fire on the miners,” he said.
He explained that many of the miners tried to escape when the shooting started, leading to confusion and chaos at the site.
“So many of them fled for their lives during the incident, but 12 persons so far have been confirmed killed,” Davott added.
According to information gathered from survivors, the attackers were suspected to be Fulani militias. Davott said this conclusion was based on the language spoken by the attackers during the operation.
“From the information we gathered, the attackers were Fulani people because survivors heard them speaking the language,” he said.
He also revealed that apart from those confirmed dead, many others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment, while several miners are still missing.
“Apart from those killed, many others were injured while others are still missing,” Davott said.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts were ongoing to locate those who are still unaccounted for.
The attack has thrown the Fan District and surrounding communities into mourning. Families of the victims have been left devastated, while residents are living in fear of further violence.
Local sources said many villagers have stopped going to farms and mining sites, fearing that the attackers could return.
“This is a terrible situation. People are scared. Nobody knows who will be next,” a resident said.
Mining activities, which serve as a major source of livelihood for many youths in Barkin Ladi, have now been disrupted, adding to the economic hardship already faced by residents.
Plateau State has for many years experienced recurring violence linked to land disputes, ethnic tensions, and clashes between farming communities and herders. Barkin Ladi Local Government Area is one of the flashpoints of such conflicts.
In the past, attacks on villages, farms, and mining sites have led to the loss of hundreds of lives and the displacement of many families. Despite efforts by successive governments to restore peace, violent incidents continue to occur.
Illegal mining and competition over mineral-rich land have also contributed to tension in some parts of the state. Many mining sites operate in remote areas with little or no security presence, making workers vulnerable to attacks.
Mining is a major economic activity in Barkin Ladi and other parts of Plateau State. Many local youths depend on mining for survival due to limited job opportunities.
However, the lack of proper regulation and security around mining sites has made them easy targets for armed groups. Community leaders have repeatedly called on the government to improve security and regulate mining activities to protect workers.
The Mining Committee in Barkin Ladi has also raised concerns in the past about the dangers miners face, especially during night operations.
Following the attack, BECO and other community groups have called on the Plateau State Government and security agencies to act swiftly.
They urged the government to deploy more security personnel to mining areas and rural communities to prevent further attacks.
Community leaders also called for a thorough investigation into the incident and the arrest of those responsible.
“We cannot continue to lose our people like this. The government must act,” a community leader said.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Plateau State Police Command or the military regarding the attack.
Residents said security personnel arrived in the area hours after the incident, but no arrests had been made.
The absence of immediate official response has further increased tension and anger among affected communities.
The killing of 12 miners has deepened fear across Plateau State, especially among those who work in remote areas. Many residents now fear travelling at night or engaging in mining activities.
Families of the missing miners are anxiously waiting for news, hoping their loved ones will be found alive.
Religious and community leaders have also appealed for calm, urging residents not to take the law into their own hands.
For now, the people of Fan District and Barkin Ladi Local Government Area are left to mourn their dead and hope for protection.