Violence, Mining Tragedy, and Media Loss Mark Turbulent Day in Plateau State

JOS, Nigeria – Plateau State recorded a series of deadly incidents on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2026, including a security convoy ambush, a mining pit collapse, and the death of a prominent journalist, underscoring the persistent security and safety challenges facing the north-central Nigerian state.

Security Convoy Ambush Leaves Four Dead

Gunmen ambushed a security convoy in Plateau State, killing four people, according to Premium Times. Dalyop Mwantiri, president of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), told the publication that he was travelling with the convoy at the time of the attack. Further details regarding the specific location of the ambush, the identities of the victims, and the suspected perpetrators were not immediately available from the source. Security forces are believed to have responded to the scene following the incident.

Mining Pit Collapse Claims Four Lives

In a separate tragedy, four people died after a sand excavation pit collapsed in a Plateau State community, Premium Times reported. A military spokesperson identified as Mr. Makama said troops responded to reports of the collapse, which involved suspected illegal miners working along a river in the affected community. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about unregulated and illegal mining activities across Plateau State, which have repeatedly resulted in casualties in recent years. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased or confirmed whether any survivors were recovered from the site.

RFI Correspondent Dies in Jos

Adding to a difficult day for the state, veteran Radio France Internationale (RFI) correspondent Tasi'u Zakari died on Tuesday morning at Sauki Hospital, located behind the Plateau State House of Assembly in Jos, according to Premium Times. His passing drew an outpouring of condolences from prominent figures, including former Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-makura, among others. Further details surrounding the circumstances of his death were not provided in the available reporting. Zakari's death represents a significant loss for Nigerian journalism, particularly for communities served by RFI's Hausa-language broadcasting.

A State Under Strain

Tuesday's events paint a sobering picture of the multiple crises confronting Plateau State simultaneously – from armed insecurity and illegal mining hazards to the loss of key civil society voices. The state has long grappled with intercommunal violence and resource-related conflicts, and Tuesday's incidents suggest those challenges remain acute. Authorities had not issued a consolidated official response to the day's events at the time of reporting.

*EME will continue to monitor developments in Plateau State as more information becomes available. Additional details on all three incidents remain limited based on currently available sourcing from Premium Times.*