Society

9 passengers killed as gunmen open fire on bus in Plateau

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Nine passengers have been killed after gunmen reportedly opened fire on a commercial bus at Dungus Junction in Kuru community, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident occurred at about 9:40 p.m. when the bus driver reportedly stopped at the junction to drop off some passengers, according to residents who spoke to Daily Trust.

The bus, which was travelling to Jos, was reportedly riddled with bullets and stained with blood following the attack.

Lawan Suleiman, a neighbour and teacher of one of the victims, confirmed the incident.

He identified the driver as Ibrahim, saying three of the victims were from his community in Bukuru.

“The driver is Ibrahim and he was my student. Three of them are from our community here in Bukuru. Their bodies have been deposited at the hospital. But relatives are preparing to collect them for burial,” he said.

The spokesman of the Berom Youth Moulders, BYM, Rwang Tengwong, also confirmed the attack.

Mr Tengwong said the victims were passengers travelling to Jos when the attackers opened fire on their vehicle.

“The incident happened around 9.40 p.m. The victims were all passengers travelling to Jos when the terrorists opened fire on the vehicle. Among those killed was a member of Operation Rainbow. It is a very sad development and we lament the loss of lives,” he said.

He added that some passengers sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to hospitals, where some later died.

The identities of the attackers and their motive for the attack were not immediately known.

There was also no immediate statement from the Plateau State Police Command on the incident.