By George Omagbemi
PLATEAU — September 28, 2026: Three women working at a mining site in Rakum community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, were killed on Monday after gunmen opened fire on workers at the facility, leaving another person injured.
The attack occurred at about 4:30 p.m., according to community sources, who said the assailants stormed the mining site, opened fire and fled the area.
The incident was confirmed by Rwang Tengwong, spokesman of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, who said three women lost their lives while another person sustained injuries.
A community member, John Silas, also confirmed the attack, putting the time at about 4 p.m. He said the gunmen targeted people working at the mining site before escaping.
The identities of the victims and the circumstances surrounding the attack had not been officially released as of Monday evening.
Tengwong called on security agencies to intensify operations in the area, identify those responsible and prevent further attacks on residents and workers.
The latest incident comes amid renewed security concerns in Barkin Ladi and other parts of Plateau State, where several attacks have been reported in recent days.
The state government imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu LGAs from September 21, following a series of attacks. Despite the measure, fresh violence has continued to be reported in parts of the affected areas.
On September 26, another mining site in Marit village, Barkin Ladi, was reportedly attacked, leaving five miners dead and two others injured, according to community sources.
The latest attack has heightened concerns over the safety of people engaged in mining and other legitimate economic activities across the affected communities.
Security agencies are expected to investigate the incident and pursue the attackers, while community leaders continue to call for stronger security presence and intelligence-led operations in vulnerable areas.
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