Plateau: One killed, seven injured as gunmen open fire on commercial vehicle
One person was killed and seven others injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a commercial vehicle in the Bukuru Total Roundabout area of Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State. The incident took place around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.
The vehicle, identified as a Boxer bus, was carrying 20 traders returning from the Kara Livestock Market in Bukuru to Rafin Bauna Village in the nearby Bassa Local Government Area.
A security source indicated that the gunmen may have targeted the travelers after trailing the vehicle to the busy roundabout, possibly in an attempt to circumvent the recent curfew imposed in the state due to ongoing security issues.
Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, the chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, also confirmed the attack. He reported that the victims were predominantly Fulani and Hausa traders. Babayo described the incident as barbaric and deeply troubling, emphasizing that the victims were innocently returning from their legitimate business activities.
“This unfortunate incident is deeply disturbing and represents yet another attack against innocent herders who were peacefully returning from their lawful business activities,” Babayo stated. He urged security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, to conduct a thorough investigation into the attack.
Babayo further noted that repeated attacks on herders have fueled fear and insecurity among pastoralists and traders who rely on the market for their livelihoods. He asserted, “No Nigerian should be attacked or killed because of his or her ethnic background or occupation.”
As of this report, security agencies have not yet confirmed the details of the incident.
