Jos Bus Attack Leaves Nine Passengers Dead
Gunmen attacked a commercial bus at Dungus Junction in Plateau State, killing at least nine passengers and injuring several others.
A Jos bus attack at Dungus Junction in Kuru community, Jos South Local Government Area, has reportedly left at least nine passengers dead.
The commercial bus was travelling towards Jos, Plateau State, when gunmen opened fire on it at about 9:40pm. The driver had reportedly stopped at the junction to drop off some passengers when the attackers struck.
Residents who spoke to journalists said the gunmen fired at the bus while it remained stationary. The vehicle was later discovered with several bullet holes and blood stains, highlighting the severity of the Plateau State attack.
Lawan Suleiman, a neighbour and teacher of one of the victims, confirmed the incident. He said the driver, identified as Ibrahim, had previously been his student.
Suleiman also said three of the victims came from the Bukuru community and that their bodies had been taken to a hospital.
“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.
“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 said several other passengers suffered gunshot injuries and were taken to hospitals for treatment. He added that some of those injured later died.
The attack has raised fresh concerns about the safety of travellers on roads in Plateau State, particularly at night. However, the exact number of casualties remained subject to further confirmation at the time of reporting.
The Plateau State Police Command had not released an official statement on the incident as of the time this report was filed.
What more should authorities do to improve the safety of travellers on Plateau roads?
