Fresh Plateau Attack: Gunmen Kill Seven Miners at Kuru Mining Site
In a tragic incident that underscores the persistent security challenges in Plateau State, gunmen have launched a deadly assault on a mining site in the Kuru community, Jos South Local Government Area. The attack, which occurred on the night of Wednesday, January 21, 2026, resulted in the deaths of seven miners, with several others sustaining injuries.
Official Confirmation and Details of the Attack
Emmanuel Solomon, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Artisanal Mining, confirmed the killings to Punch in Jos on Thursday. "I have just been informed about the attack in the Kuru community which happened yesterday night. Seven people died in the attack. I’m about to go to the community to see things by myself," he stated, describing the incident as "rather unfortunate."
Solomon highlighted that this attack is part of a disturbing pattern of violence targeting miners in the council area. He revealed that just prior to this incident, in another community in Gyel, gunmen attacked three individuals, resulting in two deaths and one escape. "The victims were on their way to a mining site when they were ambushed and killed," he explained, emphasizing the vulnerability of miners in the region.
Recent History of Violence Against Miners
This latest assault follows another tragic event two weeks earlier, where gunmen ambushed a group of miners, killing two and injuring one. Solomon shared a personal connection to this earlier attack, noting, "The one injured is currently at Lome Hospital receiving treatment, and the one who died is my younger brother. It’s unfortunate that some people are just moving about killing innocent people in the state." His voice was heavy with grief as he recounted these losses.
Calls for Urgent Government Action
Solomon stressed that the escalating violence "requires urgent attention" from authorities. He pledged that the Plateau State government will "look into the matter so that miners can have security back‑up going forward." This commitment comes amid growing concerns over the safety of artisanal miners, who often operate in remote and poorly secured areas.
The repeated attacks on mining sites in Plateau State raise serious questions about security measures and the protection of vulnerable workers. As the community mourns the latest victims, there is a pressing need for enhanced surveillance and intervention to prevent further bloodshed in the region.
