A deadly assault by suspected herdsmen has left 12 artisanal miners dead and three others abducted in Plateau State. The attack occurred on Tuesday night, December 16, 2025, at a mining site in the Ratoso community, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
Night of Terror at Ratoso Mining Site
Eyewitness accounts describe a large group of armed men storming the mining location at approximately 9:30 pm. The attackers, who had reportedly been hiding in the community beforehand, opened fire indiscriminately on the young miners who were caught completely off guard. Most of the victims were engaged in night mining activities, which made it difficult for them to either confront the assailants or flee to safety.
In the chaos, five other individuals sustained injuries while attempting to escape the violent onslaught. The assailants subsequently fled the scene with three abducted victims, transporting them away on motorcycles. This has left the community in a state of deep distress, uncertain about the fate of those taken.
Community in Agony, Leaders Demand Action
The National President of the Berom Youth Moulder Association, Barrister Solomon Dalyop, confirmed the grim incident from the scene. "At the moment, I am at the scene of the incident. We are making efforts to bury the 12 persons killed, while those injured have been taken to the hospital," he stated.
Barrister Dalyop expressed the community's primary concern: "Our main worry right now is the three abducted persons. We are urging the security agencies, particularly operatives of Operation Enduring Peace, to help secure their release. The community is currently in deep agony over this unfortunate incident."
He revealed that there had been an early warning this month about possible attacks on several Plateau communities before and during the Christmas season. This attack follows a simultaneous assault on four communities just last week.
Security Failures and Government Inaction Criticized
Barrister Dalyop did not mince words in his criticism of the government's response to the escalating security crisis. He pointed out that these events confirm the earlier warnings and expressed surprise that the Nigerian government has made little effort to address the nation's security challenges, even after the United States designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.
"This also suggests that our security agencies are not living up to expectations," he added. "The protection of lives and property should be of paramount concern to the security agencies, but what we are experiencing falls far below expectations."
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Police Command spokesman, SP Alfred Alabo, confirmed the attack. He stated that the Divisional Police Officer for the area and his team are currently in the bush, working with the community to track down and apprehend the attackers. "Investigation is ongoing, and as soon as the DPO concludes his findings, we will brief journalists," Alabo said.
The Ratoso community now mourns its dead, tends to its wounded, and lives in fear for the abducted, highlighting the persistent security vulnerabilities in the region.
