Gunmen attack Plateau communities, killing 13

At least 13 people were killed in separate attacks by suspected gunmen in Jos South, Mangu, and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State on Sunday night.

Nine victims were passengers heading to Jos when the attackers opened fire on their vehicle in Dungus community, Jos South Local Government Area.

The other four victims died in different attacks in Mangu and Riyom areas. Rwang Tengwong, the spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders, confirmed the Dungus attack to The PUNCH on Monday. He said the incident happened around 9:40 PM.

Tengwong stated that the victims were on their way to Jos when the gunmen shot at them. He added, “Among those killed was a member of Operation Rainbow. It is a very sad development and we lament the loss of lives.”

He mentioned that some passengers were injured and taken to hospitals, where some later died. “It was a vehicle carrying passengers to Jos. The attackers opened fire on them and some of the victims were killed,” he said.

A local resident, Musa Dauda, also confirmed the attack. He said some injured passengers died while receiving treatment. “Some of the passengers who were injured were taken to the hospital, but some of them died while receiving treatment. Others are still in the hospital receiving treatment,” Dauda said.

In Mangu Local Government Area, suspected gunmen attacked Vodni in Pushit District during the night, killing two people. Four others were injured and are receiving treatment in a hospital in Mangu town.

In a separate attack in Riyom Local Government Area, two people were killed at Tahoos around the same time. The spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, and Chinonso Oteh, Media Officer for Operation Enduring Peace, had not responded to inquiries about the incidents as of the time of this report.

The Plateau State Government condemned the attacks that resulted in the deaths of over 13 people and urged residents not to retaliate. In a statement on Monday, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, said the government “has received with grave concern reports of fresh attacks on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in parts of Mangu Local Government Area, resulting in the loss of lives and injuries to citizens. Also a reported tragic incidence at Dungus Junction, Kuru Jos South Local Government Area on Sunday, September 13, 2026.”

The government described the incidents as “deeply disturbing, especially at a time when the state government, in collaboration with security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, and other stakeholders, has continued to strengthen the peace and security in the state through sustained dialogue, intelligence sharing, community engagement, and other proactive measures.”

It appealed to citizens in affected areas to work with security agencies. “Government also appeals to citizens, particularly residents of communities affected by insecurity, to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that can help prevent attacks and catch the perpetrators,” the statement said.