Armed men open fire on bus in Nigeria: nine killed
At least nine people were killed in Nigeria’s Plateau State after armed men attacked a commercial bus. The attack occurred on Sunday evening at the Dungus junction in the Kuru community of the Jos South Local Government Area, as the bus was heading to the city of Jos, Premium Times Nigeria reports.
Account of the sole survivor
According to conductor Nasiru Garba, the sole survivor, the driver stopped by the roadside at around 9:30 p.m. to let off five passengers. At that moment, the attackers opened fire.
Garba said he was standing at the front of the bus and immediately ducked when he heard gunshots. According to him, the passengers who had already left the bus, those who remained inside, and the driver were killed.
After the shooting, the attackers approached the bus, opened the front door and searched the conductor. They took Garba’s money and his phone, which was charging. The man said the attackers did not say a word and that he did not see their faces. The conductor also said he had started working only four days before the attack.
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The bus was later found with numerous bullet holes and bloodstains.
Army chief’s visit
On Monday, the day after the attack, Nigerian Army Chief of Staff Waidi Shaibu arrived in Plateau State. In Jos, he visited the headquarters of the Nigerian Army’s 3rd Division and Operation Enduring Peace, where he assessed the security situation and the progress of operations together with 3rd Division Commander Maxwell Dangana.
Shaibu instructed the military to maintain pressure on criminal elements and step up efforts to strengthen peace and stability in the state. He also inspected the construction of the army’s remotely piloted aircraft system control station, which is expected to enhance its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
According to the publication, community leaders also reported other incidents of violence: in Alogom in Mangu district, three young herders were allegedly killed and about 50 head of cattle were shot dead, while in Nyerve in Barkin-Ladi district, a herder and 18 head of cattle were reportedly killed.
