At least five miners were killed and two others injured when gunmen attacked a mining site in Marit village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Saturday, according to community sources.
The attack came amid renewed tension in parts of the state, with troops also rescuing a district head who was reportedly attacked by youths in Jos East Local Government Area following the killing of a resident at an illegal mining site.
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Rwang Tengwong, spokesperson for the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), confirmed the Marit attack in a statement on Saturday.
“Five persons were killed while two others sustained injuries in the attack,” Mr Tengwong said, describing the incident as a painful development for communities that have repeatedly suffered violence.
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He called on security agencies to strengthen their presence in affected communities and prevent further attacks.
A resident, Simon Mundat, also confirmed the deaths and appealed to the authorities to improve security in the area.
The police and the Nigerian Army had yet to respond to requests for confirmation of the Marit attack at the time of filing this report.
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District head rescued
Meanwhile, soldiers rescued Musa Usman, the district head of Fursum in Jos East Local Government Area, after youths reportedly attacked his residence in Ninseng community.
According to security sources cited by counter-insurgency publication, Zagazola Makama, the incident occurred at about 1:45 p.m. on Friday.
The youths allegedly accused Mr Usman of supporting Fulani residents.
Mr Usman reportedly sustained injuries and was evacuated to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for treatment.
His vehicle was also reportedly set ablaze during the attack.
The incident was said to have followed the killing of a resident at an illegal mining site in Nabar Dutse community.
Troops from Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, reportedly intervened after receiving a distress call, brought the situation under control and secured the area against further violence and possible reprisals.
The two incidents occurred as Plateau continues to grapple with renewed attacks and communal tensions in several parts of the state.
ALSO READ: Former head of Anglican Church visits Plateau attack victims, says ‘no easy answers’ to killings
Earlier, security operatives, supported by local hunters, reportedly repelled an attack on Latok in Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area.
A community member, Danat Noel, said the operatives engaged the attackers and forced them to withdraw.
The latest attacks come days after the state government imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on three local government areas, including Barkin Ladi, following a series of attacks and killings.
The state Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, had urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding while security agencies worked to restore peace.
The recurrence of violence around mining locations has also raised fresh concerns over the security of mining communities and the activities of illegal miners in the state.
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