Gunmen Attack Bus in Plateau, Kill Nine Passengers

A commercial bus travelling to Jos came under attack at Dungus Junction, leaving at least nine passengers dead.

The incident occurred in Kuru community, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, at about 9:40pm. Reports said the driver had stopped at the junction to allow some passengers to alight when gunmen opened fire on the stationary vehicle.

Several other passengers suffered gunshot injuries during the attack. The bus was later discovered with multiple bullet holes and bloodstains.

Lawan Suleiman, a neighbour and teacher of one of the victims, confirmed the incident. He identified the driver as Ibrahim, who had previously been his student.

Suleiman said three of the victims came from the Bukuru community and that their bodies had been taken to a hospital. Relatives were reportedly preparing to collect the bodies for burial.

“The driver is Ibrahim and he was my student. Three of them are from our community here in Bukuru. Their bodies have been deposited at the hospital. But relatives are preparing to collect them for burial,” Suleiman told Daily Trust.

The spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, also confirmed the attack.

He said the victims were passengers travelling to Jos when the attackers opened fire. One of those killed was reportedly a member of Operation Rainbow.

“The incident happened around 9.40p.m. The victims were all passengers travelling to Jos when the terrorists opened fire on the vehicle. Among those killed was a member of Operation Rainbow. It is a very sad development and we lament the loss of lives,” he said.

Tengwong added that several injured passengers were taken to hospitals for treatment, although some later died from their injuries.

As of the time of filing the report, the Plateau State Police Command had not released an official statement on the attack.

What steps should authorities take to improve security along Plateau’s major transport routes?