Plateau Attack: How I Survived As Gunmen Killed Eight Passengers, Driver

The lone survivor of the Dungus Junction attack in Kuru, Plateau State, Nasiru Garba, has recounted how he escaped death after gunmen opened fire on a commercial bus, killing nine people, including the driver.

Garba, who was the conductor of the bus, said he survived by hiding inside the vehicle as the attackers approached and opened its front door.

The attack was one of several incidents recorded across Jos South, Mangu and Riyom Local Government Areas on Sunday night, with 13 people reportedly killed.

At Dungus Junction, nine people, including eight passengers and the driver, were killed when gunmen attacked the commercial bus travelling to Jos.

Two people were also killed at Vodni in Pushit District of Mangu Local Government Area, while two others were killed at Tahoos in Riyom Local Government Area. Several others sustained injuries in the attacks.

Recounting the Dungus Junction attack, Garba said the bus had stopped by the roadside to drop off five passengers before the gunmen struck.

He said, “We parked by the roadside and dropped off five passengers.

“After they alighted, the driver got down to collect the transport fare.

“I was in front of the bus waiting for the driver. Immediately the driver opened the door to enter, the gunmen opened fire on the passengers who had alighted and those inside the bus.

“All the passengers that had already alighted, the remaining passengers in the bus, and the driver died.

“Immediately I heard the gunshots, I bent down in the vehicle. The attackers approached the bus and opened the front door.”

Garba, who described the attack as terrible, said he remained hidden inside the vehicle while the attackers searched the bus.

He said, “They collected all the money with me and my phone that was being charged. They didn’t talk while carrying out the act and I didn’t look at their faces.

“I am new on the job. This was just my fourth day working as a bus conductor.”

The spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, who confirmed the incident, said the attack occurred at about 9.40pm.

He said, “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.”

Tengwong added that some of the passengers sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to hospitals, where some reportedly later died.

A resident of the community, Musa Dauda, also confirmed the incident, saying, “Some of the passengers who were injured were taken to the hospital, but some of them died while receiving treatment.

“The commercial bus was later found stained with blood and riddled with bullets.”

In Mangu Local Government Area, suspected terrorists reportedly attacked Vodni in Pushit District during the night, killing two people and injuring four others.

The injured victims were reportedly receiving treatment at a hospital in Mangu town.

Similarly, two people were killed in a separate attack at Tahoos in Riyom Local Government Area around the same period.

Govt condemns attacks

The Plateau State Government has condemned the fresh attacks in Mangu and the killings at Kuru, describing the incidents as deeply disturbing.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, the government said it was committed to strengthening the state’s security architecture in collaboration with security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders.

The statement said, “These incidents are deeply disturbing, especially at a time when the state government, in collaboration with security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders, has continued to strengthen the peace and security architecture of the state through sustained dialogue, intelligence sharing, community engagement and other proactive measures.

“Government also appeals to citizens, particularly residents of communities affected by insecurity, to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that can assist in preventing attacks and apprehending perpetrators.

“Citizens are equally urged to resist the temptation to resort to reprisal attacks, which can further escalate violence and undermine the peace-building efforts of the state.

“Under the leadership of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the Plateau State Government remains committed to peace as a priority.”