At least, 12 miners have been killed after unknown gunmen attacked a mining site in Ratoso Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area in Plateau State.
Residents said the attack happened on Tuesday night while the miners were working at the site.
The attackers reportedly arrived suddenly and opened fire, forcing many miners to run for safety.
The Berom Educational and Cultural Organisation (BECO) said several people are still missing after the attack.
Confirming the incident on Wednesday, BECO Chairman and Mining Committee head in Barkin Ladi local government, Dallang Davott, said the gunmen struck while the miners were carrying out their activities.
He said: “The number of those missing are yet to be ascertained because the incident happened in the night.”
Davott explained that the attackers stormed the mining site and began shooting, causing chaos.
“So, many of them fled for their lives during the incident. But 12 persons so far are confirmed killed,” he added.
As of the time of reporting, the police have not officially confirmed the incident.
