At least twelve persons have been confirmed dead, five others injured, and three individuals reportedly abducted following a violent overnight attack by suspected herdsmen on a mining site in Ratoso community, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday night at around 9:00 p.m., when the assailants, believed to be armed gunmen, stormed the mining site where a group of artisanal miners were working. Eyewitnesses said the attackers opened indiscriminate gunfire, leaving many victims with no opportunity to flee.
An eyewitness who escaped the assault described how the gunmen, reportedly operating in large numbers, took the group by surprise, forcing the victims to scatter in panic. The five injured survivors were rushed to nearby health facilities for urgent medical treatment.
Local community leaders confirmed that three of those taken by the attackers remain missing, raising fears for their safety as they were seen being taken away on motorcycles. Residents expressed deep concern over their fate and have appealed to security agencies for swift action.
Barrister Solomon Dalyop, National President of the Berom Youth Moulder Association, condemned the attack as part of the persistent insecurity plaguing parts of Plateau State, particularly affecting communities engaged in legitimate economic activities. He urged authorities to intensify security efforts to prevent further loss of life.
No official statement has yet been released by the Plateau State Police Command or military authorities, and investigations are reported to be ongoing as security forces liaise with local leaders to determine the full circumstances of the attack and locate the abducted victims.
Background: Plateau State has experienced recurrent clashes and violent attacks in recent years, often attributed to tensions involving armed herders and local communities, contributing to insecurity in various parts of the state.