Mutfwang Reacts as Terror Attack Claims Seven Lives in Plateau Mining Camp

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has expressed profound grief and outrage following a deadly assault on a mining settlement in the Kuru community of Jos South Local Government Area, where seven individuals were brutally killed by suspected terrorists.

The violent incident reportedly took place late Wednesday night, leaving multiple others with injuries. This was disclosed in an official statement released on Thursday by the Governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere.

Governor Mutfwang described the attack as cruel, unjustified, and deeply distressing, particularly coming at a period when his administration has intensified initiatives aimed at restoring peace and stability across Plateau State.

According to the statement, the governor strongly denounced what he described as coordinated attacks carried out in Kuru, Gyel, and Buhum communities located within Chugwi Village of the Vwang District. He reiterated that his government remains unwavering in its responsibility to protect lives and property in all parts of the state.

The governor mourned the loss of innocent citizens and emphasized that such acts of violence would not weaken the government’s determination to confront terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities threatening public safety.

Governor Mutfwang praised the commitment and perseverance of security agencies operating within Plateau State and urged them to further strengthen intelligence-driven operations to ensure those responsible are swiftly identified, apprehended, and brought to justice.

He also instructed security operatives to deepen collaboration with local communities to enable early detection and neutralisation of potential threats, while assuring families affected by the attack of the government’s full support and solidarity.

In addition, the governor called on officers of Operation Rainbow to reinforce intelligence collection and early-warning systems to allow for faster and more effective security interventions.

Governor Mutfwang reassured residents of Plateau State of his continued dedication to their safety, welfare, and overall well-being.

Confirming the incident, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Artisanal Mining, Emmanuel Solomon, told The PUNCH that seven miners lost their lives during the attack in Kuru.

Solomon described the event as deeply unfortunate, noting that it forms part of a troubling pattern of repeated attacks targeting miners within the Jos South council area.

He recalled that only days earlier, armed assailants attacked three individuals in another Gyel community. While one person managed to escape, two others were killed during the ambush as they made their way to a mining site.

Solomon further revealed that about two weeks before the Kuru incident, another group of miners was attacked, resulting in two deaths and one injury. The injured individual is currently receiving medical care at Lome Hospital.

Speaking with visible grief, Solomon disclosed that one of the deceased victims was his younger brother, lamenting that innocent people continue to lose their lives to senseless violence across the state.

He stressed that the worsening situation demands immediate action and assured that the Plateau State Government would investigate the matter thoroughly to ensure miners receive adequate security protection moving forward.

Attempts to obtain official reactions from security agencies were unsuccessful. The Jos South Area Commander of the Nigerian Forest Security Service, Pam Gyang Pwajok, said he was not immediately aware of the incident but promised to make inquiries.

Similarly, the spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, could not be reached as his mobile phone was switched off.

This latest attack underscores a growing trend of violent assaults on mining communities in Plateau State, intensifying concerns over the safety of artisanal miners and highlighting the urgent need for stronger security measures across Jos South and surrounding areas.