Deadly Attack on Tin Mining Site Claims Seven Young Lives in Plateau State
In a tragic incident that has shocked the community, gunmen launched a brutal assault on a tin mining site in Gakok, located within the Kuru community of Jos South Local Government Area in Plateau State. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, resulted in the deaths of seven young men who were actively engaged in mining operations at the site.
Victims Identified as Youths Engaged in Legitimate Work
The victims, all young men striving to earn a living through legitimate mining activities, were identified by local sources. According to reports from counter-terrorism publication Zagazola Makama, the deceased include:
- Dung Gyang, aged 19
- Weng Dung, aged 26
- Francis Paul, aged 25
- Samuel Peter, aged 22
- Dung Simon, aged 28
- Pam Dung, aged 23
- Francis Markus, aged 15
Security operatives who responded to the scene reportedly discovered cases of 7.62mm ammunition, indicating the violent nature of the attack. The bodies of the victims were subsequently transported to the Primary Health Care Centre in Dabwak, Kuru, for proper handling and identification procedures.
Plateau Youth Council Condemns Unending Cycle of Violence
The Plateau Youth Council (PYC), through its Jos South LGA chapter secretary-general Gyang Sunday Pwajok, issued a strong statement condemning the killings. Pwajok described the incident as part of what he termed the "unending cycle of orchestrated violence and bloodshed" that continues to plague Plateau State.
"This tragic incident further deepens the pain, fear and anger of our people," Pwajok stated. "The persistent wave of killings is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. These young men were peacefully striving to make ends meet through legitimate mining activities when their lives were brutally cut short."
The youth council extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Kuru community, while calling for immediate action from authorities to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Calls for Enhanced Security and Mining Regulations
In response to the attack, the Plateau Youth Council has urged relevant authorities to implement several security measures. These include strengthening mining site unions, enforcing stricter regulations at mining locations, and improving security coordination among various agencies.
The council specifically called for an immediate ban on night mining activities, which they argue exposes young workers to unnecessary and avoidable dangers. This recommendation comes as mining communities across Plateau State continue to face security challenges.
Police Response and Historical Context
At the time of reporting, Alfred Alabo, the spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, had not yet responded to enquiries regarding the incident. The police investigation is expected to provide more details about the perpetrators and their motives.
This attack follows a similar incident that occurred in December 2025, when gunmen attacked miners in the Fan community of Barkin Ladi LGA, resulting in at least twelve deaths and three abductions. The pattern of violence targeting mining communities in Plateau State has raised serious concerns about security in the region's mineral-rich areas.
The tragic events in Gakok highlight the ongoing security challenges facing mining communities in Nigeria's Middle Belt region, where economic activities often intersect with complex security situations. As investigations continue, residents and authorities alike are calling for sustainable solutions to protect vulnerable workers and communities from such violent attacks.
