Plateau: One killed, seven injured as gunmen open fire on commercial vehicle 

One person was confirmed killed and seven others injured after unidentified gunmen opened fire on a commercial vehicle at the Bukuru Total Roundabout axis in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to reports, the incident occurred at about 6:30 pm on Sunday.

The vehicle, a Boxer bus conveying 20 traders returning from the Kara Livestock Market in Bukuru to Rafin Bauna Village in Bassa Local Government Area.

A security personnel, who confirmed the attack to our correspondent, said the travellers could have been targeted by the gunmen after the vehicle was trailed to the busy roundabout while attempting to beat the recent curfew imposed in parts of the state due to security concerns.

Chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, who also confirmed the attack in a statement, said the victims were mostly Fulani and Hausa traders returning home from the Kara Cattle Market.

Babayo, who described the incident as barbaric and disturbing, said the victims were innocent and harmless Nigerians returning from their lawful business activities.

“This unfortunate incident is deeply disturbing and represents yet another attack against innocent herders who were peacefully returning from their lawful business activities,” Babayo said.

He further called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Operation Enduring Peace and the DSS, to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

According to Babayo, the recurrence of such attacks on herders has continued to heighten fear and insecurity among pastoralists and traders who depend on the market for their livelihoods.

“No Nigerian should be attacked or killed because of his or her ethnic background or occupation,” he added.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies are yet to confirm the report.