By Israel Adamu, Jos
At least 12 miners have been killed after gunmen attacked a mining site in the Ratoso Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State, residents and community leaders confirmed on Wednesday.The attack occurred on Tuesday night when the assailants stormed the site while the victims were engaged in mining activities. Witnesses said the gunmen opened fire indiscriminately, forcing many miners to flee into surrounding bushes for safety. Local sources reported that several persons remain missing following the incident, raising fears that the casualty figure could rise as search efforts continue. The remote nature of the mining site and the timing of the attack have complicated immediate rescue and verification efforts.
Confirming the incident, the Berom Educational and Cultural Organisation (BECO) said the attack left the community in shock and mourning. The group noted that the number of missing persons had not yet been fully determined.Chairman of BECO and Secretary of the Mining Committee in Barkin Ladi, Mr. Dagallang Davott, said the miners were attacked while carrying out their normal activities late at night.“The number of those missing is yet to be ascertained because the incident happened at night,” Davott said. “There was an attack at Fan yesterday. It happened in the night, but I cannot give the exact time.”He added that the gunmen arrived suddenly and began shooting at the miners, creating panic across the site. According to him, many workers escaped by running into nearby areas, but 12 deaths have so far been confirmed.
Davott condemned the attack and described it as another reminder of the persistent security challenges facing rural and mining communities in Plateau State. He called on relevant authorities to intensify patrols and improve intelligence gathering in vulnerable areas. Residents of Barkin Ladi said attacks on mining locations have become a growing concern, particularly in isolated districts where security presence is limited. They urged the state and federal governments to strengthen protection for miners and host communities. As of press time, efforts to reach security agencies for official confirmation and details of any arrests or deployments were unsuccessful. There was also no immediate statement on whether an investigation had been launched into the incident.
Plateau State has experienced repeated security incidents in recent years, often affecting farming and mining communities. Stakeholders have consistently called for improved surveillance, rapid response mechanisms, and sustained engagement with local communities to curb violence. Community leaders said they were working with local volunteers to search for missing persons, while families of the victims awaited further information. The situation remains tense as residents fear possible further attacks. Authorities are expected to provide updates as more details emerge regarding the identities of the victims, the number of those missing, and measures being taken to prevent a recurrence.
