JOS — The lone survivor of the deadly attack on a commercial bus at Dungus Junction in Kuru, Plateau State, Nasiru Garba, has recounted how gunmen opened fire on passengers, killing nine people, including the driver.
The attack, which occurred at about 9:40 p.m. on Sunday, was part of a series of coordinated attacks reported in parts of Plateau State that left 13 people dead and several others injured.
According to Garba, who worked as the bus conductor, the vehicle had stopped by the roadside to drop off five passengers when the attackers struck.
He said the driver had stepped out to collect fares from the passengers who had alighted when the gunmen suddenly opened fire.
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Garba said he immediately crouched down inside the vehicle after hearing the gunshots.
“Immediately I heard the gunshots, I bent down in the vehicle. The attackers approached the bus and opened the front door.”
He explained that the attackers searched the vehicle but did not discover him because he remained hidden.
The gunmen, he said, took the money in his possession and his mobile phone, which was charging inside the bus.
“They didn’t talk while carrying out the act and I didn’t look at their faces,” Garba said.
He described the incident as terrible, adding that he was only on his fourth day working as a commercial bus conductor.
The attack reportedly claimed the lives of passengers who had already alighted, those who remained inside the vehicle and the driver.
Some other victims sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to hospitals for treatment, although some reportedly died from their injuries.
Confirming the incident, spokesman of the Berom Youth Moulders, BYM, Rwang Tengwong, said the victims were passengers travelling to Jos when the attackers opened fire on the vehicle.
He disclosed that one of those killed was a member of Operation Rainbow, describing the incident as a tragic development.
A resident, Musa Dauda, said the commercial bus was later found covered in blood and riddled with bullets.
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Other Plateau Attacks
The Dungus Junction attack was not the only deadly incident recorded in the state.
In Vodni, Pushit District of Mangu Local Government Area, suspected terrorists reportedly killed two people and injured four others during a night attack.
The injured victims were taken to a hospital in Mangu town for treatment.
Similarly, two people were reportedly killed in a separate attack at Tahoos in Riyom Local Government Area.
The incidents have renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of Plateau State, particularly communities and routes used by commercial travellers.
Plateau Government Condemns Attacks
The Plateau State Government has condemned the killings, describing the attacks in Mangu and Kuru as deeply disturbing.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, the government said it was working with security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen security across the state.
The government said its efforts include sustained dialogue, intelligence sharing, community engagement and other proactive measures aimed at preventing further attacks.
It also appealed to residents of affected communities to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible and timely information that could help prevent attacks and identify those responsible.
The government further urged citizens not to resort to reprisal attacks, warning that such actions could escalate violence and undermine ongoing peace-building efforts.
Under Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the state government reaffirmed its commitment to making peace and security a priority across Plateau State.
