Six commuters were killed while two others sustained gunshot injuries after gunmen attacked a commercial bus at Dungus Kuru T-junction, near Science School, in Jos South LGA of Plateau State.
The attack reportedly occurred around 8:30pm on Sunday, September 13, according to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication covering the Lake Chad region.
Makama, citing security sources, reported that troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace, responded to a distress call concerning an attack on commuters travelling from the Farin Lamba axis.
The troops reportedly discovered that gunmen travelling in a vehicle had opened fire on the bus, killing six passengers.
The victims comprised five males and one female, while two other passengers sustained gunshot wounds.
According to Makama, the injured victims were taken to a hospital for treatment, while troops launched a search for the attackers, who had fled before the soldiers arrived.
The incident occurred less than 24 hours after three young Fulani herders were killed and 36 cattle shot dead in Alohom community, Sabon Gari district of Mangu LGA.
The deceased herders were identified as Garzali Shaibu, 18, Bashiru Yakubu, 14, and Salim Abubakar, 15. Another 12 cattle were reportedly injured, while two members of the herding group were initially reported missing.
Military sources said troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace, moved to the area after receiving information about the attack and recovered the bodies of the three herders.
Fulani witnesses alleged that suspected Mwaghavul militia were responsible for the attack.
However, neither the military nor the police has confirmed that the Dungus Kuru attack was carried out in retaliation for the killings in Alohom.
The incidents have nevertheless heightened concerns over possible reprisal attacks as insecurity continues to worsen in parts of Mangu, Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs.
‘TWO KILLED, FIVE CHILDREN INJURED’
Makama also reported that around 1:40pm on Monday, suspected Fulani militia allegedly attacked Vodni community in Mangu LGA, killing two people and injuring five children.
According to the publication, troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace, responded to a distress call following the attack.
The attackers reportedly fled after sighting the soldiers.
The troops later heard children crying from a nearby house and moved to the location, where they found the bodies of two victims and five children who had sustained gunshot injuries.
The injured children were evacuated to Mangu General Hospital for treatment.
The latest incidents have raised concerns over a possible cycle of reprisal attacks in Plateau State, where recurring violence involving farmers, herders and other civilians has continued to create tension among communities.
The wave of violence followed several incidents recorded across parts of the state since September 9.