American humanitarian and activist Alex Barbir on Wednesday attended a mass burial ceremony in Jos, Plateau State, for six young miners killed during an overnight attack on a mining camp in Kuru District, Jos South Local Government Area.
The victims, all youths working at the mining site, were reportedly killed in a violent assault that has been linked by local sources to suspected armed attackers.
The incident adds to the growing list of deadly attacks affecting rural and mining communities across Plateau State in recent years.
The burial ceremony, officiated by Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, drew grieving family members, community leaders, sympathizers, and rights advocates. Barbir, who has spent years documenting attacks and supporting displaced communities across Nigeria’s Middle Belt, stood with mourners as the victims were laid to rest.
Speaking during the ceremony, Barbir cited Psalm 82:3–4, calling for justice for the weak and accountability for perpetrators of violence.
“There is no justice. No one is held accountable. Massacres are not prevented, and communities remain in ruins,” he said, urging both Nigerian authorities and the international community to take decisive action to protect vulnerable populations.
Barbir also lamented what he described as prolonged silence in the face of repeated killings, noting that many affected villages remain destroyed, with survivors receiving little protection or support.
Plateau State has experienced recurring violence linked to insecurity around farming and mining communities, with attacks often leaving dozens dead and displacing residents.
Rights groups and community leaders have repeatedly called for improved security presence, intelligence-led policing, and prosecution of those responsible.
Barbir’s presence at the burial reflects increasing international attention on Nigeria’s internal security challenges, particularly in the Middle Belt, as advocacy groups continue to demand accountability and long-term solutions.
