Nigeria: Nine Killed in Plateau Bus Attack As Army Chief Visits State, Orders Troops to Sustain Pressure On Criminals

What the report says

At least nine people were killed when gunmen attacked a commercial bus in Kuru community, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, according to Premium Times and community sources cited by AllAfrica. The attack took place on Sunday night at Dungus Junction, along a route heading toward Jos. Nasiru Garba, identified as the bus conductor and the lone survivor, said the driver had stopped to drop off passengers when the gunmen opened fire.

Garba said the attackers later came to the bus, searched him and took his phone and money. He told reporters that he was standing near the front of the vehicle when the shooting began and that the victims included people who had already gotten off, passengers still on board and the driver. The bus was later found with bullet holes and blood stains, underscoring the severity of the assault.

The killings have renewed concern about insecurity on roads in Plateau State, especially at night and on routes connecting rural communities with Jos. Premium Times also reported that community leaders in other parts of the state described separate deadly incidents involving herders and cattle, adding to longstanding tensions and violence in the area.

A day after the bus attack, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, visited Plateau State and met military commanders in Jos. He reviewed operations with the 3 Division and Operation Enduring Peace, and urged troops to maintain pressure on criminal groups while working with other security agencies, traditional leaders and residents to strengthen peace and stability.