SEVEN people have been confirmed dead following an overnight attack on an illegal mining site in Capitex, Kuru community, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, according to the Nigerian Army.
The incident occurred around 1:00 a.m. today when suspected armed bandits reportedly stormed the site, allegedly attempting to steal illegally mined minerals.
Troops of Sector 6 of Operation Safe Haven were alerted several hours later by a local resident and promptly moved in to secure the area and restore calm.
Military sources said a sweep of the site led to the recovery of ammunition, including 10 empty shells of 7.62mm special rounds believed to have been fired during the attack.
The victims’ bodies were evacuated to a Primary Health Care Centre in Dabwak, Kuru, for documentation and to allow their families make burial arrangements.
Preliminary findings indicate that the victims were engaged in illegal mining and had remained at the location late into the night, in violation of the Plateau State Government’s ban on illegal and night mining activities.
The Army also noted that the incident was reported about eight hours after it happened, a delay attributed to fear of sanctions linked to the mining prohibition.
Despite the late report, security forces say sustained intelligence-led operations are underway to track down those responsible, alongside community engagement efforts aimed at preventing further violence.
Authorities added that troops are maintaining a strong security presence in the area to reassure residents and prevent any breakdown of law and order.