Bandits attack mining site in Plateau, killing five young men

At least five youths were killed and several others injured when gunmen, believed to be Fulani bandits, attacked a local mining site in Gero village, Gyel District of Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State, on Tuesday, June 16.

The assault, which occurred around 3 p.m., came just hours after gunmen raided the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, about five kilometres away, where three security personnel were killed.

Festus Dalyop, a resident of Gero, told our correspondent that the miners were working when the attackers arrived on motorcycles and opened fire, killing five instantly and leaving others with varying injuries.

Rwang Tengwong, National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth‑Moulders Association (BYM), also confirmed the incident. He condemned both the NIPSS attack and the mining site killings, describing them as evidence of escalating security threats in the area.

“These attacks reflect worsening insecurity in surrounding communities and raise concerns about the safety of residents as well as strategic national institutions in the area,” Tengwong said to journalists.

He urged security agencies to intervene urgently to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among affected communities, adding, “We once again urge government authorities to strengthen security surveillance and ensure the protection of lives and property.”

State Police spokesman SP Alfred Alabo confirmed the incident and said investigations have begun while a manhunt is underway for the perpetrators.