At least 12 people were killed on Tuesday night in a violent attack by suspected gunmen at a mining site in Ratoso Fan community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. Several others are reportedly missing.
According to Dagallang Davott, Chairman of the Berom Educational and Cultural Organisation and Secretary of the Mining Committee in Barkin Ladi, the attackers struck while miners were working.
“The number of those missing is yet to be ascertained because the incident happened at night,” Davott told The PUNCH on Wednesday.
“There was an attack at Fan yesterday. It happened in the night, but I cannot give you the exact time. The gunmen stormed the mining site and opened fire on the miners. Many of them fled for their lives during the incident. But 12 persons so far have been confirmed killed.”
Moses Daniel, a resident of Ratoso Fan, also confirmed the attack and expressed concern over the security situation in the area.
“Yes, it happened. 12 people were killed last night at a mining site in Ratoso Fan community, my hometown,” he said.
The 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army has reportedly been notified of the incident. When contacted, the division’s spokesman, Aliyu Danja, said, “Thanks for the update. Will check and revert back.”
This attack comes amid growing insecurity in Plateau State, prompting calls for enhanced protection of rural communities. Recently, Governor Caleb Mutfwang visited senior military officials in Abuja, including the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to discuss strategies to strengthen security.
He also met with the newly appointed Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), underscoring his administration’s commitment to curbing violence in the state, particularly as the Yuletide season approaches.
