Tension has heightened in Plateau State following the killing of two local miners in Gangare community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, even as security forces foiled a separate kidnap attempt and rescued three victims in Bokkos.
The miners were reportedly carrying out their mining activities when they were killed at about 5:20 p.m. on Wednesday, amid renewed security concerns in the state.
The incident has heightened anxiety among residents, particularly following the Plateau State Government’s declaration of a curfew on Monday in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu local government areas in response to a series of attacks.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the killing of the two miners, describing the incident as sad and expressing concern over the loss of lives.
Tengwong called on security operatives to investigate the killings, track down those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
“This is sad. We urge security operatives to investigate the incident, go after those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to book,” he said.
Troops Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Bokkos
In a separate operation, troops of Sector 5 of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) reportedly foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Sha-Daffo Road in Daffo District of Bokkos Local Government Area, rescuing three victims.
The operation took place at about 9:40 p.m. on Tuesday following a distress report about suspected kidnapping activities along the route.
According to the OPEP spokesman, Captain Chinonso Oteh, troops swiftly responded to the report, forcing the suspected kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee into the surrounding area.
The rescued victims were identified as 42-year-old Haruna Rabiu, 24-year-old Mary Joseph and 25-year-old Bridget Gideon.
Oteh said the victims sustained minor injuries and were evacuated to a hospital for medical attention.
He added that troops had continued to take deliberate steps to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the OPEP Joint Operations Area.
The spokesman appealed to residents to remain calm and support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist ongoing operations.
The latest incidents come amid continuing security concerns in Plateau State, where the government has imposed curfews in three local government areas following a spate of attacks.
