Attack on Mining Site Leaves Three Dead
Four suspected attackers who allegedly participated in Monday's assault on a mining site at Nyango, Gyel District, in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, have been killed. The miners were extracting solid minerals at the site when they came under attack on Monday, June 29, leaving three people dead and two others injured.
Vigilantes Respond, Kill Four Suspects
The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, disclosed this in a statement issued in Jos on Wednesday, July 1. He said local vigilantes mobilised in response to the attack, leading to a confrontation in which four of the suspected attackers were killed while others fled.
Tengwong dismissed claims by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) that the four deceased were its members killed around the Gero–Rafin Bauna axis of Jos South Local Government Area. According to him, local vigilantes confronted the gunmen after Monday's attack on the mining site.
BYM Condemns MACBAN Claims
The statement read: “The attention of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), under the leadership of Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, has been drawn to claims by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) alleging that four of its members were killed around the Gero–Rafin Bauna axis of Jos South Local Government Area. BYM considers this claim not only misleading but also an unfortunate attempt to distort the circumstances surrounding a violent attack that claimed innocent lives in the Nyango area of Gyel.”
“Available information indicates that the four deceased persons were among a heavily armed group of more than 40 attackers who invaded a mining site at Nyango in Gyel District on June 29, 2026, opening fire on local miners, killing three persons and injuring two others. Faced with this unprovoked assault, local vigilante members from Gyel mobilised to defend their communities and livelihoods. In the ensuing confrontation, four of the attackers were neutralised while the others escaped.”
Questions Raised by BYM
The statement continued: “The attempt to portray those neutralised during the confrontation as harmless cattle breeders raises serious concerns and risks diverting attention from the real victims of the attack and the persistent insecurity facing indigenous communities in the area. BYM therefore poses a number of legitimate questions to the relevant authorities and the public: What were armed individuals doing in a mining community that is not known to be a grazing settlement? Why were they present in such numbers and under such circumstances? What was the mission that brought them to Nyango on that day?”
The association called on security agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the Nyango attack, as well as the identities and activities of those killed during the confrontation.
Additional Attack in Zargwok Community
The statement also disclosed that two persons were killed after gunmen reportedly opened fire on residents of Zargwok community in Gashish District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. According to BYM, the attack occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30. Tengwong identified the victims as Ayuba Danladi, 33, and Luka Macham, 35, who were reportedly on community patrol when they were attacked and killed. He described the incident as another in the series of recurring attacks on communities in the area and called for urgent intervention by security agencies.
The association said the remains of the victims had been deposited at the ECWA Clinic mortuary. BYM urged security agencies to establish the identities of those responsible and carry out a comprehensive investigation into both incidents. “We call on authorities to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities, apprehend the perpetrators and restore public confidence in the protection of lives and property,” the statement said.
