Five killed in gunfight over illegal gold mining

NOWSHERA:

At least five people were killed and an unknown number injured after three rival groups engaged in intense gunfire in the Nizampur area of Akora Khattak circle, Nowshera district, on Monday.

The shootout erupted over alleged illegal gold mining in the region and continued for several hours, spreading fear and panic among residents who remained confined to their homes.

According to initial reports, four members of one group and one young man from another group lost their lives in the prolonged exchange of fire. The deceased were identified as: Mehran, resident of Jabbi Mandori, who was killed on the spot along with four other individuals belonging to a rival faction.

Local residents shifted the bodies to District Headquarters Hospital and Qazi Hussain Ahmad Complex Hospital for medico-legal formalities.

Police have registered cases against two groups involved in the illegal gold extraction activities, led by Ataullah and Saddam respectively. However, the Circle Police Officer Akora Khattak and SHO Nizampur expressed ignorance about the details of the casualties and the exact circumstances of the incident when contacted.

Eyewitnesses said the sudden clash between three different groups triggered indiscriminate firing that lasted for a considerable time, creating an atmosphere of terror in the entire area.