3 killed, 2 injured in Plateau mining site attack

From Jude Owuamanam, Jos

Three persons were killed and two others injured when gunmen attacked a mining site at Nyango, Gyel District of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The gunmen struck the site at about 11:50 a.m. yesterday, shooting sporadically and causing panic as miners and residents scampered in different directions for safety.

National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, who confirmed the incident in a statement, expressed concern over the recurring insecurity in Gyel and surrounding communities.

The association said the latest attack was not the first violent incident recorded in the area, noting that the community had witnessed several similar attacks.

The group added that residents of Gyel and neighbouring communities in Bassa Local Government Area had repeatedly raised concerns over attacks and insecurity allegedly perpetrated by armed elements operating around the Gyero and Rafin Buna axis.

According to BYM, the recurring attacks have resulted in loss of lives, displacement of residents and disruption of economic activities.

The association called on security agencies and government authorities to urgently dismantle criminal hideouts, take decisive action to end the cycle of violence and restore lasting peace and security in the affected communities.

BYM commiserated with the families of those who lost their loved ones, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with security agencies.

A resident, Chuwang Rogo, who witnessed the attack, said the miners were taken unawares, as some of them were inside the mine pits when the gunmen struck.

He said the casualty figure could have been higher, but many miners fled the scene immediately they heard the gunshots.

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