Twelve miners who were killed during a fresh attack at a mining site in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State have been laid to rest amid deep grief and growing outrage over persistent insecurity in the mining communities.
The miners were reportedly working at the mining site on Tuesday night when armed gunmen stormed the location at about 9:00p.m.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers arrived at the mining site opened fire on the miners without warning, and fled shortly after carrying out the assault.
The sudden attack at the mining site threw the area into chaos, forcing miners to run for safety, while some managed to escape into nearby bushes, several others sustained gunshot injuries.
At least 12 miners were confirmed dead in the attack, while a number of others were initially declared missing, raising fears that casualty figure could be higher.
Days after the deadly attack, the victims were buried in a mass burial ceremony marked by tears, anger and despair.
Video s showing coffins being transported to the burial ground circulated widely on social media, further highlighting the scale of the tragedy.
Community leaders in Barki Ladi confirmed that the victims were attacked and killed at the mining site and described the incident as another devastating blow to the residents whose livelihoods depend on mining activities, calling on government to urgently strengthen security around mining sites, which they say have become frequent targets of violence attacks.
“This attack happened while our people were working peacefully at the mining site, they were not criminals, they were only trying to earn a living”, a community leader said.
Security agencies confirmed the incident and stated that investigations into the attack at the mining site are ongoing, assuring the public that efforts are being made to track down those responsible.
The latest killing add to a growing list of violent attacks of mining site in Plateau State’s mineral-rich communities.
Residents say repeated assaults in mining site have continued to raise serious concerns about civilian safety and the protection of workers in these vulnerable areas.
As community mourns, calls are intensifying for a decisive action to secure mining sites and prevent further attacks on workers across Plateau.
-9News Nigeria.
