By Abimbola Ogunnaike
Gunmen on the night of Tuesday, 25 April, 2023 killed miners who were carrying out their activities at the Turu community in Jos South Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
It was learnt that following the death of the miners, youths from various communities in the area blocked the Jos -Abuja highway in protest, leaving commuters stranded on the road
The attack on the miners comes less than two days after gunmen killed no fewer than seven persons in two separate attacks that occurred in Wereng and Heipang communities of Riyom and Barkin Ladi local government areas respectively.
The lawmaker representing Jos South and Jos East federal constituency in the National Assembly, Dachung Bagos, confirmed the latest killing in a statement issued on Wednesday,26 April, 2023.
The statement signed by his aide, Danja Dafwam Yakubu, called on the government to come to the aid of his constituents and stop further attacks on the communities
The statement read, “The member representing Jos South/Jos East in the House of Representatives, Dachung Musa Bagos, is disheartened about renewed attacks on communities in Plateau State by suspected herdsmen.
“Bagos described as sad the last night attack (Tuesday, April 25, 2023) at 8:00 pm where six people were killed at mining spot in Farinlamba Turu, Jos South Local Government of Plateau State”
The lawmaker, who is also the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Anti-corruption, wondered how criminals beat security agents “to perpetrate these heinous acts and vanish into thin air without resistance.”
According to Bagos, those killed include Ishaya David, 25 years from Tana; Paul Adamu from Dangyuruk, 23; Bitrus Mancha from Dantou, 43; Davou Boyi from Dawurum, 40; Joseph John from Dawurum, 39; and Timothy Peter, 35.
“The member is also calling on the Federal security agencies as a matter of urgency to come to the aid of these hapless citizens and provide them with security.
“The member, therefore, calls on all relevant authorities to wake up and protect the lives and property of Nigerians as it’s the minimum requirement from the government.
“The member, therefore, calls on citizens in those areas to be law-abiding and restrain from taking laws into their own hands but be vigilant at all times.”