3 women killed by gunmen during a mining site attack in Plateau state, Nigeria

Three women were killed and another person injured when gunmen attacked a mining site in the Rakum community of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State, on Monday.

The attackers stormed the site around 4:30 p.m., opened fire on workers, and fled the scene.

Rwang Tengwong, spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, confirmed the incident in Jos. He said three women died and one other person was wounded, describing it as another troubling development that has heightened fears about the safety of residents and workers in the area. He called on security forces to pursue the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

A community member, John Silas, also confirmed the attack, placing the time around 4 p.m. He expressed deep concern that people cannot carry out their legitimate businesses without fear of attack and urged security operatives to intensify efforts to track down those responsible and prevent further incidents.

The attack occurs amid a wave of deadly violence across Plateau State in recent weeks, particularly in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Bokkos local government areas, despite a government-imposed curfew. On Saturday, six people were reportedly killed in Laja village, Mangu, and some vigilantes were killed at their post in Kikyo village during curfew hours. Additional attacks have been reported in other villages in Mangu and Barkin Ladi, raising tensions in the affected communities.

The four branches of the Nigerian Bar Association in Plateau State have condemned the recent violence. As of the time of the original report, security agencies had not issued a statement on the mining site attack, and the Plateau State Police Command spokesman was unavailable for comment.