One Killed, Seven Injured as Gunmen Attack Bus Carrying Traders in Plateau

One person has been killed and seven others injured after unidentified gunmen opened fire on a commercial vehicle carrying traders in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 6:30pm on Sunday around the Bukuru Total Roundabout.

The vehicle, a Boxer bus, was reportedly carrying 20 traders returning from the Kara Livestock Market in Bukuru to Rafin Bauna Village in Bassa Local Government Area when the attackers opened fire.

A security personnel who confirmed the incident said the travellers may have been targeted after the vehicle was allegedly followed to the busy roundabout while attempting to beat a recent curfew imposed in parts of Plateau State over security concerns.

The circumstances surrounding the attack had not been independently established as of the time of filing the report.

Chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, also confirmed the incident.

Babayo said the victims were mainly Fulani and Hausa traders returning home after conducting business at the Kara Cattle Market.

He condemned the attack and described the victims as innocent traders who were returning from their lawful 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 said.

He called on the Nigeria Police Force, Operation Enduring Peace and the Department of State Services (DSS) to conduct a thorough investigation, identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

According to Babayo, repeated attacks on herders and traders have increased concerns about the safety of people who depend on livestock markets and related businesses for their livelihoods.

“No Nigerian should be attacked or killed because of his or her ethnic background or occupation,” he added.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to officially confirm the attack, while details surrounding the identities of the attackers and the condition of those injured remained unclear.