Seven Berom Youths Killed in Plateau Mining Attacks as Community Demands Justice and Urgent Security Response

Plateau State, 23 January 2026 – Seven young miners were brutally murdered at a mining site in Kuru, Jos South Local Government Council, Plateau State, in what the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) has described as a heinous attack by armed bandits. The killings mark a sharp escalation of insecurity in the region, coming just days after two more people were ambushed and killed in Gyel District.

Victims targeted while earning a living

The victims, aged between 15 and 28, were identified as Dung Gyang (19), Weng Dung (26), Francis Paul (23), Samuel Peter (22), Dung Simon (28), Pam Dung (23), and Francis Markus (15). BYM National President Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri condemned the attacks as a gross violation of human life, highlighting that the youths were peace-loving and engaged in legitimate work.

“These coordinated attacks point to an alarming deterioration in security within Berom land and underscore the urgent need for firm intervention,” Mwantiri said, urging authorities to investigate, apprehend, and prosecute the perpetrators and their sponsors.

Mining activities now restricted to night hours

Following the attacks, mining operations have shifted to midnight-to-6 a.m. schedules to reduce exposure to danger. Residents and security officials have expressed deep concern over the persistent threat to rural communities, mining sites, and access routes.

Calls for immediate action from government and security agencies

BYM has called on the Plateau State Government, the Federal Government, and security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, deploy well-equipped personnel, and adopt community-based security strategies to protect the lives and livelihoods of Berom youths.

Major Samson Zhakom of the Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) in Jos has reportedly departed for Jaji, while Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, Acting Director of Army Public Relations for the 3 Division, Rukuba Barracks, Jos, has been transferred amid the crisis. A senior army officer assured that measures are being taken to prevent further attacks, urging the public to remain calm.