At least six commuters have been killed and two others injured after gunmen opened fire on a commercial bus at Dungus Kuru T-junction, near Science School, in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Gatekeepers News reports that the attack occurred at about 8:30pm on Sunday, September 13, according to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on 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 publication said the gunmen, who were travelling in a vehicle, opened fire on the bus before fleeing the scene.
Six passengers were reportedly killed in the attack, comprising five males and one female, while two others sustained gunshot injuries.
The injured victims were evacuated 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 three 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, were deployed 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 killings.
However, there has been no confirmation from the military or police that the Dungus Kuru attack was carried out in retaliation for the Alohom incident.
The successive attacks have nevertheless heightened concerns over possible reprisal violence as insecurity persists in parts of Mangu, Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs.
Two killed, five children injured
Makama also reported that suspected Fulani militia attacked Vodni community in Mangu LGA at about 1:40pm on Monday, killing two people and injuring five children.
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace, reportedly responded to a distress call following the attack, prompting the assailants to flee after sighting the soldiers.
The troops subsequently heard children crying from a nearby house and moved to the location, where they found the bodies of two victims and five children suffering from gunshot wounds.
The injured children were evacuated to Mangu General Hospital for treatment.
The latest incidents have raised fresh concerns about a cycle of reprisal attacks in Plateau State, where recurring violence involving farmers, herders and other residents continues to heighten tensions between communities.
The latest wave of violence follows several attacks recorded across parts of the state since September 9.
