On Sunday, October 4, 2026, at about 6:30 pm, a violent incident occurred near the Total Roundabout in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. Seven passengers were reportedly shot by unidentified gunmen while travelling from the Kara Bukuru Livestock Market towards Rafin Bauna in Bassa Local Government Area. The passengers were among 20 people in an open-body Boxer vehicle when the gunmen allegedly opened fire.
According to eyewitnesses, the victims were taken to Rukuba Barracks Hospital in Plateau for medical attention. The driver and one of the survivors, Murtala Isa Ibrahim, confirmed that seven passengers were affected in the shooting. However, their current conditions and the extent of their injuries are not immediately known. Authorities have not confirmed any deaths, and the circumstances surrounding the attack remain unclear.
This incident has raised fresh security concerns, particularly regarding the safety of herders, traders, and other travellers returning from the Kara Bukuru Livestock Market. A pastoralist association in Plateau State condemned the attack and called on security agencies to investigate and bring those responsible to justice. The association also referenced previous incidents, including a September 20 attack in which five Fulani herders were reportedly killed around Kassa in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The pastoralist association appealed to the Plateau State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, Operation Safe Haven, the Department of State Services, and other security agencies to strengthen security along the market routes. They urged authorities to investigate reported attacks and ensure that those found responsible are prosecuted. The association also appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid retaliatory attacks, stressing the need for equal protection and justice for all residents.
The recurring reports of attacks have raised concerns about the safety of people who use the livestock market and the routes connecting it to surrounding communities. In a related development, a separate attack on Fulani herders around the Federal Low-Cost area of Bukuru was also condemned by the pastoralist association. Authorities are yet to comment on the latest shooting incident.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the security agencies confirming the latest shooting. The number of casualties, the identities of the attackers, and their motive could therefore not be independently established. The incident remains a developing situation pending further information from the police, Operation Safe Haven, or other relevant authorities.
The Plateau State Government and security agencies have been urged to take immediate action to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of residents. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The incident has sparked widespread concern, and stakeholders are calling for a thorough investigation and swift action against those responsible.
Key points
- The incident occurred near the Total Roundabout in Bukuru, Plateau State, on October 4, 2026.
- Seven passengers were reportedly shot by unidentified gunmen while travelling from the Kara Bukuru Livestock Market.
- The pastoralist association has called for increased security along market routes and urged authorities to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the attacks.
