Gunmen opened fire on an open-body Boxer vehicle carrying 20 passengers from the Kara Bukuru livestock market in Plateau State on Sunday evening. The vehicle was ambushed at about 6:30 p.m. near the Total Roundabout in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area, while the passengers were returning to Rafin Bauna village in Bassa Local Government Area.
Seven passengers sustained gunshot wounds during the attack and were promptly taken to Rukuba Barracks Hospital for medical attention. Their conditions were not immediately known as of Monday morning. There was also no official confirmation of any fatality from the attack. According to details shared by counter-insurgency publication, Zagazola Makama, citing accounts from the driver and a survivor identified as Murtala Isa Ibrahim.
The Kara Bukuru livestock market is an important commercial centre for livestock traders and pastoralists, with many depending on the market for their livelihoods. Pastoralist associations have condemned the recurring attacks along routes used by traders and herders returning from the market. They recalled that five Fulani herders were killed around Kassa in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on September 20 while reportedly returning from the same market.
The associations also referenced an earlier attack near the Conoil Filling Station in December 2025. They called on the Plateau State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, Operation Safe Haven and the Department of State Services to urgently strengthen security along the Bukuru corridor. They also called for a thorough investigation to identify and arrest those responsible for the shooting.
Community leaders also appealed for calm, warning against retaliatory attacks that could trigger further violence. They stressed the need for justice and equal protection for all residents, regardless of ethnic or occupational background. As of Monday morning, formal statements from the Plateau State Police Command or the military authorities confirming the latest attack were still awaited.
The latest attack has renewed concerns over repeated violence along routes used by traders and pastoralists returning from the Kara Bukuru livestock market, prompting calls for increased security and an investigation to identify the attackers. The leaders urged security agencies to take preventive measures to protect traders, pastoralists and other road users, particularly those travelling from the market to their communities.
Plateau State has experienced recurring violence and attacks in recent times. In response to the rising insecurity, the Plateau State Government had imposed a curfew on three local government areas and banned motorcycles. Troops have also raided bandit hideouts in Plateau, recovering AK-47 rifles and other weapons.
Key points
- Seven passengers were shot when gunmen ambushed a vehicle conveying 20 people from the Kara Bukuru livestock market in Plateau State on Sunday evening.
- The incident occurred near the Total Roundabout in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area, as the passengers travelled towards Rafin Bauna village in Bassa Local Government Area.
- The Kara Bukuru livestock market is an important commercial centre for livestock traders and pastoralists, with many depending on the market for their livelihoods.
