Seven people have been confirmed dead after suspected armed bandits attacked an illegal mining site at Capitex, Kuru community in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The Nigerian Army said the attack occurred around 1:00 a.m. on Thursday when the assailants stormed the site, apparently to cart away illegally mined minerals.

Troops of Sector 6, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), were alerted at about 8:40 a.m. by a local resident and immediately mobilised to the area to restore calm.

A top military source disclosed that security personnel recovered evidence at the scene.

“Troops of Sector 6 Operation Safe Haven received information that seven illegal miners were shot dead at about 0100 hours by suspected bandits at an illegal mining site in Kuru, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State,” the source said.

Troops discovered 10 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition believed to have been used by the attackers.

The bodies of the victims were evacuated to the Primary Health Care Centre in Dabwak, Kuru, for documentation and burial arrangements by their families.

Illegal Mining Ban

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were engaged in illegal mining and had remained at the site late into the night, violating the Plateau State Government’s ban on illegal and night mining.

“The victims were illegal miners who stayed at the site late into the night, contrary to the extant ban on night and illegal mining activities in Plateau State,” the source stated.

The military noted that the incident was reported several hours after it occurred, attributing the delay to fear of sanctions linked to the ban.

“The about eight-hour delay in reporting the incident is assessed to have resulted from fear of sanctions associated with the prohibition of night mining,” the source added.

Despite the delay, the Army assured that efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible.

“Troops have continued sustained, intelligence-driven operations to identify, track and apprehend the perpetrators, while non-kinetic engagements are being intensified to de-escalate tensions and prevent further attacks,” the source said.

Security forces confirmed they are maintaining a strong presence in the area to forestall any breakdown of law and order and reassure residents of their safety.