Gunmen kill dozens in attack on Nigerian mining community
Gunmen on motorbikes stormed a mining community in central Nigeria, killing up to 40 people and torching homes, residents said, in the latest violence to hit a region troubled by resource disputes and intercommunal strife.
The attack late on Monday on Wase district in Plateau state was the latest violence in an area which has long been a flashpoint for disputes over resources and for outbreaks of intercommunal clashes.
Armed men invaded Zurak community, shooting sporadically and torching houses, Plateau state commissioner for information Musa Ibrahim Ashoms told French news agency AFP by telephone.
He initially gave an estimate of around 40 killed, but later said only nine had so far been confirmed dead after speaking to local officials as the situation was still unclear.
More people had gunshot wounds and residents were searching for others reported missing.
Early accounts in attacks in remote areas like Zurak, on the border between Plateau and Taraba States, are often confused and full details emerge slowly.
But local residents and youth leader Shafi'i Sambo said at least 40 people had been killed in the raid.
"The attackers entered into the village Monday evening, staying till early morning of Tuesday, shooting at the local villagers, killing many," said resident Adamu Saluwe, who also gave a figure of around 40.
"When people are preparing for the farming season, they were suddenly attacked, killed."
Outbreaks of violence
Wase has deposits of zinc and lead, while Plateau as a whole is known for its tin mining industry.
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