By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Jos
Six miners were shot dead on Saturday night when gunmen invaded a mining site in Wang community, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Residents said the victims were busy with mining activities when the attackers opened fire, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
Confirming the incident, Bokkos youth leader, Christopher Luka, said the killings had further heightened tension in the area.
A personnel of Agro Rangers, one of the security outfits deployed to maintain peace in Plateau, explained that security agencies had earlier warned miners to stay away from the site due to rising threats.
“We had issued a warning that mining activities should stop because of security concerns. Unfortunately, the victims sneaked in at night after security operatives had left the site. That is how the attack happened,” he said.
Another resident, Shanono Usman Adam, who also confirmed the development, said the bodies of the deceased had been deposited at Bokkos General Hospital morgue.
Spokesperson of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), Major Samson Zhakom, could not be reached as calls and messages were unanswered at press time.
Bokkos and other parts of Plateau have in recent years witnessed repeated killings and violent attacks by gunmen, leaving communities vulnerable and residents fearful despite the presence of security operatives.