Women shot dead at Plateau mining site

Three women were killed and another person sustained injuries when gunmen attacked a mining site at Rakum community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday.

The gunmen reportedly stormed the mining site at about 4:30pm and opened fire on the workers before fleeing the area.

The latest attack comes amid heightened tension with dozens of farmers and herders reportedly killed in separate attacks in Mangu, Barikin Ladi and Bokkos, where the government imposed dusk-to-dawn curfew.

The spokesman of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association ( BYM), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Jos.

Tengwong said, “The incident happened at Rakum. Three women were killed while another person was injured, when the attackers stormed the mining site and opened fire.

“This is another sad development that has further heightened concerns over the safety of people working and living in the area.

“We are calling on the security operatives to immediately go after the perpetrators and ensure that those responsible are arrested and brought to justice.”

Mr John Silas, a member of the affected community, also confirmed the incident, saying the incident occurred in the evening, while the miners were going about their activities.

Silas said, “The attackers came to the mining site and opened fire on the people there. Three women were killed and another person was injured.

“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,” he said.

Our correspondent reports that the state government had on Thursday called on the people to remain calm, peaceful and law abiding, while assuring that it is working in collaboration with security agencies to protect lives and property in the state. (Daily Trust)