Plateau Bus Attack: Nine Killed as Gunmen Open Fire on Travellers Near Jos

At least nine people have been killed after gunmen attacked a commercial bus at Dungus Junction in Kuru community, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attack occurred at about 9:30pm on Sunday, when the bus, travelling towards Jos, stopped by the roadside to allow passengers to alight, according to the bus conductor and community sources.

Nasiru Garba, the conductor and only known survivor, said the driver had stopped to allow five passengers to get down when the attackers opened fire. Garba said he immediately ducked inside the vehicle after hearing the gunshots.

“All the passengers who had already alighted, the remaining passengers in the bus and the driver died,” Garba said.

He said the attackers later approached the bus, opened the front door and searched him. According to Garba, they took money and his mobile phone but did not speak to him during the incident. He said he could not identify the attackers because he avoided looking at their faces.

The incident has heightened concerns over the safety of commuters travelling along the route, particularly at night. The bus was later found with multiple bullet holes, according to reports from the scene.

The attack came amid renewed security concerns in other parts of Plateau State. Community leaders also reported separate incidents in Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas involving the deaths of herders and livestock.

The latest violence has added to longstanding tensions between farming and herding communities in Plateau, where repeated attacks and reprisals have contributed to deaths, displacement and growing insecurity.

COAS VISITS PLATEAU

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, visited Plateau on Monday, a day after the bus attack, to review the security situation with commanders at the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division and Operation Enduring Peace headquarters in Jos.

Shaibu directed troops to sustain pressure on criminal elements and strengthen efforts to restore stability across the state. He also inspected an ongoing Nigerian Army Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Control Station project expected to improve intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

The Army chief urged troops to remain vigilant and work with other security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders. He also called on residents to provide credible information to security agencies to help prevent further attacks.