At least seven youths were killed and dozens of others injured or declared missing after gunmen attacked a mining site in Kuru District, Plateau State, on Wednesday night.
The attack occurred in Kuru District of Jos South Local Government Area, where hundreds of young people, including women, were engaged in artisanal mining to earn a living. According to local accounts, the assailants, suspected to be armed Fulani militias, arrived at the site heavily armed and opened fire indiscriminately.
The Berom Youth-Moulders Association (BYM), Kuru District chapter, confirmed the incident, describing the victims as hardworking youths whose only aim was to support their families. The group said many of those at the site fled into nearby bushes during the attack, leaving several people unaccounted for hours later.
Residents said the assault has thrown the community into mourning and renewed fears over persistent violence targeting rural livelihoods in the area. Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement, but calls have intensified for increased protection of mining communities and swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The incident adds to a growing list of deadly attacks in Plateau State, where communal and resource-related conflicts have continued to claim lives despite repeated security interventions.
Sunday Buna Ibrahim is a seasoned journalist with Daily Frontier (dailyfrontier.com.ng), where he reports on security, conflicts, and humanitarian issues across Nigeria’s Middle Belt, particularly Plateau and Benue States. He also serves as a News Producer at Vision FM Radio in Abuja. Prior to joining Daily Frontier, he worked with Radio Nigeria, Fombina FM Yola in Adamawa State between 2019 and 2020.
