A violent incident occurred on Sunday, October 5, 2026, in Plateau State, Nigeria, when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a commercial vehicle at the Bukuru Total Roundabout axis in Jos South Local Government Area. The attack resulted in the death of one person and injured seven others. According to reports, the incident took place at about 6:30 pm. The vehicle, a Boxer bus, was carrying 20 traders returning from the Kara Livestock Market in Bukuru to Rafin Bauna Village in Bassa Local Government Area.
A security personnel confirmed the attack, stating that the travellers may 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. The curfew was implemented to address rising security issues in the area. The attack has raised concerns about the safety of residents and travellers in Plateau State.
The Chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, confirmed the attack in a statement. He described the incident as barbaric and disturbing, adding that the victims were mostly Fulani and Hausa traders returning home from the Kara Cattle Market. Babayo emphasized that the victims were innocent and harmless Nigerians returning from their lawful business activities.
Babayo called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Operation Enduring Peace, and the DSS, to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. He expressed concern that 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. The incident has sparked fears of increased violence and instability in the region.
The attack has been widely condemned, with many calling for increased security measures to protect residents and travellers. The incident has also raised concerns about the effectiveness of the curfew in addressing security issues in the area. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, with security agencies working to identify the perpetrators and determine their motives.
According to Babayo, no Nigerian should be attacked or killed because of their ethnic background or occupation. The incident has sparked a renewed call for calm and stability in the region. The Plateau State government has been urged to take concrete steps to address the security concerns of residents and prevent similar incidents in the future.
As of the time of reporting, security agencies have yet to confirm the incident or provide an update on their investigation. The incident remains a concern for residents and travellers in Plateau State, with many calling for increased security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Key points
- One person was killed and seven others injured in the attack.
- The incident occurred at about 6:30 pm on Sunday, October 5, 2026.
- The victims were mostly Fulani and Hausa traders returning home from the Kara Cattle Market.
