No fewer than seven persons have been confirmed dead following a night-time attack on an illegal mining site at Capitex, Kuru community, in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, the Nigerian Army has confirmed.
The attack occurred at about 1:00 a.m. on Thursday, when suspected armed bandits reportedly stormed the mining site, allegedly with the intention of carting away illegally mined minerals.
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) were alerted to the incident at about 8:40 a.m. by a local resident and immediately mobilised to the area to restore calm and secure the location.
A senior military source disclosed that security personnel recovered ammunition at the scene during a sweep of the area.
“Troops of Sector 6, Operation Safe Haven received information that seven illegal miners were shot dead at about 0100 hours by suspected bandits at an illegal mining site in Kuru, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State,” the source said.
According to the military, troops discovered 10 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition, believed to have been used by the attackers.
“On arrival at the scene, troops cordoned and scanned the general area and discovered 10 empty cases of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition,” the source added.
The bodies of the victims were evacuated to the Primary Health Care Centre in Dabwak, Kuru, for documentation and subsequent burial by their families.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the victims were engaged in illegal mining activities and had remained at the site late into the night, in violation of the Plateau State Government’s ban on illegal and night mining.
“The victims were illegal miners who stayed at the site late into the night, contrary to the extant ban on night and illegal mining activities in Plateau State,” the source stated.
The military further revealed that the incident was reported several hours after it occurred, with the delay attributed to fear of sanctions linked to the enforcement of the mining ban.
“The about eight-hour delay in reporting the incident is assessed to have resulted from fear of sanctions associated with the prohibition of night mining,” the source explained.
Despite the delayed report, the Army assured that intelligence-driven operations are ongoing to track down and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
“Troops have continued sustained intelligence-led operations to identify, track, and apprehend the perpetrators, while non-kinetic engagements are being intensified to de-escalate tensions and prevent further attacks,” the source said.
Security forces have also reinforced their presence in the area to prevent any breakdown of law and order and to reassure residents of their safety.
