Five miners have been killed and two others injured after gunmen ambushed them while they were mining at Marit village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attack reportedly occurred around 1pm on Saturday, throwing the community into mourning and renewing concerns over the safety of residents and miners operating in the area.

The spokesman of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident, saying five people were killed while two others sustained injuries.

Tengwong condemned the attack and called on security agencies to take urgent steps to protect communities in the area.

He said, “Five persons were killed, while two others sustained injuries in the attack.”

Also confirming the incident, a community member, Simon Mundat, described the attack as devastating, appealing to the authorities to strengthen security so residents could carry out their legitimate activities without fear.

As of press time, efforts to obtain confirmation from security operatives were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, security operatives, supported by local hunters, reportedly repelled an attack by suspected terrorists on Latok community in Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area of the state on Friday.

A resident, Danat Noel, said the security personnel responded swiftly after the attackers invaded the community and engaged them, forcing the assailants to retreat.