One person was killed and seven others injured after gunmen opened fire on a vehicle conveying traders along the Bukuru Expressway in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Gatekeepers News reports that the incident occurred at about 4:30pm on Sunday, October 4, near the Total Filling Station Roundabout in Bukuru.
The vehicle, reportedly carrying about 20 passengers, was returning from Kara Market when the gunmen opened fire.
Troops of Sector 6 of Operation Enduring Peace, deployed in Bukuru, reportedly responded to the attack and found eight victims with gunshot wounds.
One of the victims, identified as Musa Abubakar, was confirmed dead, while seven others — Ibrahim Aliyu, Abdullahi Aliyu, Abdullahi Saidu, Abdussalam Saidu, Faisal Gambo, Abdussalam Yau and Adam Umar — sustained injuries.
The victims were evacuated for medical treatment, while security personnel began efforts to track down the attackers.
The Plateau State Police Command also confirmed the shooting, saying preliminary investigation established that the vehicle was conveying traders returning from Kara Market.
Police said the seven injured victims were traced to the Military Clinic at Rukuba Barracks, where they were receiving treatment.
Ayodeji Faniyan, commissioner of police in Plateau, directed the deputy commissioner of police in charge of investigations to take over the case and ensure that those responsible are identified and arrested.
The police also deployed tactical and anti-robbery teams to strengthen security around the area and intensified intelligence gathering to identify the perpetrators.
The Plateau State chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Babayo, also confirmed the attack and called on security agencies to investigate the incident.
Babayo urged the police, Operation Safe Haven, the Department of State Services and other security agencies to strengthen security along the Kara-Bukuru market route and prevent further attacks on traders and herders.
He also appealed to members of the association to remain calm and refrain from retaliation.
The identity of the attackers and their motive have not been officially established. TheCable reported a claim that the attackers were suspected to be members of a Berom militia, but noted that the allegation could not be independently verified.
