Four die as mining pit collapses

Gunmen reportedly killed a security operative attached to Plateau Operation Rainbow in Plateau State during an ambush on the team along the Gagshi Road yesterday evening.
   
Also, three civilians were reportedly killed in a separate incident at Rakok in Barkin Ladi Local Council Area of the state.
   
Confirming the ambush, President of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), Dalyop Mwantiri, said he narrowly escaped the incident, adding that it indicated the security situation in the state was taking on a “bigger dimension,” as attacks now occur in broad daylight.
   
He expressed concern at the worsening insecurity and appealed to security operatives to remain vigilant and continue to protect the communities and residents despite the risks involved.
   
Meanwhile, a community source, Mr Lawrence Gyang, said the three other persons killed included two unidentified women, who were also killed in broad daylight during the funeral of two persons who were allegedly killed the previous day during a trip to Gashish District.
   
According to him, the victims were among mourners who had gathered for the funeral when the incident occurred.
   
Another unfortunate incident also occurred yesterday in the state, as four miners were reportedly killed when a tin pit collapsed on them in the Baban Rafi area of Bokkos Local Council Area.
   
Bokkos youth leader, Daniel Tula, told newsmen that the victims comprised two men and two women, adding that they were later buried by their relatives.
   
According to him, the incident was the first recorded of its kind in the area, even as the circumstances surrounding the mining pit’s collapse were still being established.
   
However, the Police Public Relations Officer of the state Police Command, Alfred Alabo, said he was yet to receive any official report on the incident, adding that miners often fail to report such incidents to the police.