At least five quarry workers were killed and two others wounded in a deadly attack early Tuesday morning at Bur Abor mining site in Mandera East, after suspected Al-Shabaab militants ambushed a vehicle transporting 21 workers.
Confirming the incident, County Commissioner Henry Ochako said the gunmen opened fire on the vehicle, killing five men on the spot. “We lost five quarry workers in this unfortunate attack. Two others sustained gunshot injuries but managed to escape,” he said.
Ochako added that 16 of the workers aboard the vehicle escaped unharmed and were safely escorted back to Mandera town by security officers.
The attack has left Bur Abor residents in shock, triggering fear and fresh concerns over rising insecurity in the region.
Commissioner Ochako reassured locals that security operations are ongoing and that his office is working closely with village elders to restore calm.
“We understand the anxiety this has caused. Our teams are on the ground to ensure safety and justice,” he said.
Chairman of the Mandera Quarry Owners Association, Alio Maalim, extended condolences to the bereaved families and announced a temporary halt of all quarry operations in the area until the government guarantees the safety of miners.
“We’ve suspended all quarry activities until proper security measures are in place. We also urge the government to provide escorts to protect our workers,” Maalim said.
Mandera Governor Mohamed Kalif’s administration has stepped in to support transport arrangements for the bodies to be returned to their home counties.
This is the first reported attack along the Khalalio–Hareri stretch, raising serious alarm over growing insecurity in parts of Mandera East.
| Written by, Mohamed Noor |
