In a devastating incident, gunmen attacked miners in the Fan community of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area in Plateau State, leading to the deaths of at least 12 individuals. Three others were abducted during the assault, which occurred around 9 PM while the miners were engaged in legal mining activities.

Reports indicate that a large number of assailants invaded the site and opened fire, resulting in multiple casualties and injuring five other miners who were subsequently taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Efforts are currently underway to rescue those who were abducted.

This attack has heightened fears within the community, which has already experienced repeated incidents associated with mining-related violence. Authorities have not yet provided comments, as attempts to reach the police spokesperson in the state were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

This latest tragedy follows a similar incident earlier in September, when four miners lost their lives due to a site collapse in the Dura community of Jos South LGA. The mining sector has become increasingly perilous, and such incidents raise urgent questions about safety and security in these areas.