Police Investigate Deadly Gunmen Attack on Plateau Mining Site

The Plateau State Police Command has launched an investigation into a deadly attack on a mining site in Bokkos Local Government Area, where gunmen killed four youths. The incident has added to the growing concerns over the security situation in the region.

The attack occurred on Friday night at a mining site in the Butura community, Bokkos. Armed assailants struck around 9 p.m., targeting workers on-site. Four young men—Bwefuk Musa, 21; Klingshak Dickson, 21; Promise Joshua, 20; and Nyam Abaka, 20—were killed on the spot. Five others sustained injuries during the assault before the attackers fled the scene.

The President of the Butura Youth Movement, Sabastine Magit, confirmed the tragic event. In a statement released on Saturday, he said, “In yet another unprovoked assault on members of the Butura community, armed terrorists, speaking the Fulani dialect, opened fire on innocent youths working at a mining site near the villages of Kuba and Maikatako in the Butura district of Bokkos Local Government Area in Plateau State on October 10.”

Magit highlighted that the attack happened just days after another incident in the village of Wumat, where five family members, including a pregnant woman, lost their lives. He expressed deep concern over the recent violence, adding, “Eyewitnesses report that the assailants executed a lightning-fast operation on October 10, fleeing the scene before military personnel stationed at a nearby checkpoint could respond.”

The attack has caused shock and sorrow within the Butura community, which is still reeling from the earlier tragedy in Wumat. Residents are calling for increased security measures and swift justice for the victims.

Speaking to journalists about the incident, the spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, condemned the killings, describing them as “unfortunate.” He said, “We are trying to get more facts about the incident.” He also urged residents to provide the police with any information that could help uncover the details of the attack. “Any useful information will assist us in our efforts to bring those responsible to justice,” Alfred emphasized.

Despite police surveillance and efforts by other security agencies, Bokkos and surrounding areas have experienced a series of violent incidents. Just last week, gunmen attacked the Jol community in the neighboring Riyom Local Government Area, killing a pregnant woman and injuring two others. The authorities have yet to apprehend those responsible for that attack as well.

The ongoing violence has sparked fear and frustration among residents of the affected communities, who are demanding stronger actions from security forces to prevent further bloodshed. Local leaders are calling for peace and cooperation between communities to address the root causes of the violence and ensure a safer environment for all.