Seven people have been confirmed killed following a deadly overnight attack on an illegal mining site in the Kuru community of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, according to the Nigerian Army.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday at a location known as Capitex, where suspected armed bandits reportedly stormed the site with the aim of seizing illegally mined minerals. The attackers opened fire on miners who were present at the site at the time.
Military sources said troops of Sector 6 of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) were alerted to the incident at about 8:40 a.m. by a resident of the area. Upon receiving the report, soldiers were immediately deployed to the scene to secure the area and restore calm.
A senior military source confirmed that seven illegal miners were killed during the attack, which was believed to have taken place around 1:00 a.m. A security sweep of the area led to the recovery of ammunition allegedly used by the assailants.
“Troops discovered 10 empty shell casings of 7.62mm special ammunition at the scene, believed to have been fired by the attackers,” the source disclosed.
The bodies of the victims were evacuated to the Primary Health Care Centre in Dabwak, Kuru, where they were documented before being released to their families for burial.
Preliminary findings by security forces indicate that the victims were engaged in illegal mining activities and had remained at the site late into the night, despite an existing Plateau State Government ban on illegal and night-time mining operations.
Investigators also noted that the incident was reported several hours after it occurred, a delay the military attributed to fear of sanctions linked to the prohibition of night mining in the state.
“The delay of about eight hours in reporting the incident is assessed to be due to fear of sanctions associated with the ban on illegal and night mining activities,” the source said.
Despite the late report, the Army assured residents that efforts are underway to track down those responsible for the attack. Troops are said to be conducting sustained, intelligence-led operations aimed at identifying and apprehending the perpetrators.
In addition to security operations, the military said it is intensifying non-kinetic engagements within the community to prevent further violence and reduce tension.
Security forces have also increased their presence in and around the Kuru axis to prevent a breakdown of law and order and to reassure residents of their safety as investigations continue.
