Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Two people from Heipang District in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State have been killed after suspected gunmen attacked a mining site around Kuru Jenta, near the boundary between Jos South and Barkin Ladi local government areas.
The incident occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, while the victims were at the mining site. Community sources who spoke about the incident said both victims were natives of Heipang District.
A member of the affected community, Weng Bulus, confirmed the killings on Saturday, October 3. According to Bulus, the two victims were shot dead at the site around Kuru Jenta.
The latest attack has raised fresh concerns about security in parts of Plateau State, where several deadly incidents have been reported in recent weeks, particularly in Barkin Ladi and surrounding communities.
Bulus condemned the killings and urged residents to remain vigilant. She also warned residents against engaging in mining activities during restricted hours, noting that the victims were at the site while the government-imposed curfew was in effect.
“Residents should not violate the curfew, particularly by engaging in night mining, as such movement could expose them to security risks,” Bulus said.
The curfew was imposed by the Plateau State Government on September 21 following what authorities described as emerging security threats in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu local government areas. The directive restricts movement between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily and remains in force until further notice.
The state government said the measure was introduced to maintain public order, protect lives and give security agencies an opportunity to stabilise affected communities. Security personnel were directed to enforce the restriction, while motorcycle use was also banned throughout the affected local government areas.
The latest attack occurred in Barkin Ladi, one of the areas covered by the curfew.
The spokesman of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, also confirmed the incident and condemned the killings.
Tengwong called on security agencies to investigate the attack, identify those responsible and bring them to justice. He also appealed to miners and other residents to avoid night operations and comply with security measures introduced by the government.
The identities of the two victims had not been officially released in the reports available by Sunday, October 4. There was also no immediate confirmation from the Plateau State Police Command.
Efforts by journalists to reach the command’s spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, for an official response were unsuccessful. His telephone line was reportedly switched off when contacted.
The absence of an immediate police statement means that details concerning the attackers, their motive, whether any arrests have been made and the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unconfirmed.
The latest killings come less than a week after another deadly attack at a mining site in Barkin Ladi.
On Monday, September 28, gunmen attacked a mining site in Rakum community, also in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. Three women were killed and another person was injured in that incident.
Community representatives said the attackers arrived at the mining site in the afternoon and opened fire before leaving the area. The Berom Youth Moulders Association called for security agencies to track down the perpetrators.
That attack was followed by renewed calls for stronger protection for people living and working in mining communities across the state.
Another mining-related attack was reported in Plateau in September when at least five miners were feared killed and two others injured after gunmen reportedly ambushed workers at a mining site in Marit village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The incidents have highlighted the vulnerability of mining communities, where workers often operate in remote areas that can be difficult for security personnel to monitor.
Plateau has experienced recurring communal and criminal violence, particularly in parts of its central districts. Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu, Riyom and other areas have witnessed attacks in recent months, prompting authorities to introduce additional security measures.
The state government has repeatedly urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and comply with restrictions imposed in areas affected by violence.
The government’s September 21 curfew was specifically intended to restrict movement during nighttime hours, when officials considered communities particularly vulnerable to attacks.
Despite the restriction, community sources said the two victims were present at the mining site at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Friday.
However, the circumstances surrounding their presence at the location and the sequence of events leading to the shooting have not been independently established.
Community leaders have focused on two immediate concerns: finding those responsible for the killings and preventing further attacks on miners and residents.
Tengwong’s call for an investigation reflects growing concern among local groups over repeated attacks on mining sites. The association has urged security agencies to intensify efforts to identify perpetrators rather than allowing the latest incident to become another unresolved case.
For residents, the killings have added to an already tense security environment. The attacks also present a challenge to the authorities’ efforts to stabilise communities through curfews and increased security operations.
As of Sunday morning, October 4, there was no confirmed report of an arrest connected with the Kuru Jenta attack. Authorities had also not publicly identified the suspected attackers or established their affiliation.
The two deaths bring renewed attention to the need for security around mining locations, particularly during restricted hours. Residents and community leaders are urging miners to observe the curfew while calling on security agencies to investigate the attack and pursue those responsible.
The incident remains under investigation, with further details expected if security authorities issue an official account of the attack.
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