Gunmen Kill Nine in Plateau Bus Attack as Army Chief Visits

At least nine people lost their lives when armed men attacked a commercial bus at Dungus Junction in Kuru community, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Sunday night.

The attack happened around 9:30 p.m. The bus was on its way to Jos when it stopped to drop off passengers, according to the only person who survived the attack and local sources.

The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, went to Plateau on Monday, just a day after the attack, amid growing security fears in the state.

Mr. Shaibu visited the headquarters of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division and Operation Enduring Peace in Jos. He looked over the security situation and current operations with General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Maxwell Dangana.

He told the troops to keep pressure on criminals and to work hard to maintain peace and stability in the state.

Nasiru Garba, the bus conductor and only survivor, said the driver had stopped to let five passengers out when the gunmen started shooting.

Mr. Garba said he was at the front of the bus when he heard the gunshots. He quickly ducked down inside the bus.

"All the passengers who had already alighted, the remaining passengers in the bus and the driver died," he said.

He added that the attackers later came to the bus, opened the front door, and searched him.

"They collected all the money along with my phone, which was charging. They did not say anything while carrying out the act, and I did not look at their faces," he explained.

Mr. Garba described the incident as confusing and terrifying. He mentioned that he had just started working as a bus conductor four days before the shooting.

The commercial bus was later found with bullet holes and covered in blood.

This attack has raised new worries about the safety of commuters traveling on that route, especially at night.

Local sources said the victims were heading towards Jos when the attackers opened fire on them.

This incident happened during a time of increased violence in different parts of Plateau.

Community leaders also reported the killing of three young herders and the shooting of about 50 cattle in Aloghom, Mangu Local Government Area. In another case in Nyerwe, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, one herder and 18 cattle died.

These events have added to ongoing security worries in the state, where conflicts between farming and herding communities have often resulted in deaths and displacement.

During his visit on Monday, Mr. Shaibu reviewed the security situation and current operations with senior military leaders in the state.

He also checked on the construction of the Nigerian Army Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Control Station, which should improve the military’s intelligence and surveillance capabilities.

The army chief praised the troops for their hard work and encouraged them to stay alert while doing their jobs.

He highlighted the importance of working together with the military, other security agencies, traditional authorities, community leaders, and residents to fight insecurity.

Mr. Shaibu ordered the troops to respond firmly to security threats while respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens.

He asked residents to share timely and reliable information with security agencies to support ongoing efforts and help stop more attacks.

This latest incident has sparked calls for stronger security measures along vulnerable routes in Plateau, especially those connecting rural areas to Jos.