*13 Killed In Weekend Incidents

*Survivor Recounts How He Escaped Bus Attack

THE Plateau State Government has condemned fresh attacks by gunmen in parts of Mangu Local Council, as well as another in Jos South, which led to loss of lives, even as it cautioned residents against resort to reprisals.

   At least 13 people were killed and several others injured in separate attacks on communities in Jos South, Mangu and Riyom Local Councils on Sunday night, September 13, with nine passengers travelling to Jos killed after suspected terrorists opened fire on their vehicle at Dungus community in Jos South.

    Spokesman of Berom Youth Moulders (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, said the incident occurred about 9:40p.m., when the vehicle came under attack, adding that some of those injured were rushed to hospitals, where some later died.

    Tengwong disclosed that one of those killed was a member of Operation Rainbow.

    In a separate attack in Mangu, suspected terrorists reportedly attacked Vodni community in Pushit District during the night, killing two people, with four others sustaining gunshot injuries.

    In Riyom, two people were reportedly killed in another attack at Tahoos around the same period.

    The state Commissioner of Police (CP), Ayo Faniyan, confirmed the attacks, but said the Command was still gathering information on the incidents and would issue an official statement after obtaining comprehensive details of the attacks.

    The state government, in a statement on Monday, September 14, by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, said it “received with grave concern, reports of fresh attacks on Saturday, 12th September, 2026, in parts of Mangu Local Government Area, resulting in the loss of lives and injuries to citizens,” as well as “a reported tragic incidence at Dungus Junction, Kuru, Jos South Local Government Area, on Sunday, 13th September, 2026.”

    While describing the incidents as “deeply disturbing,” especially at a time when it, in collaboration with security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders, has continued to strengthen the peace and security architecture of the state through sustained dialogue, intelligence sharing, community engagement and other proactive measures.”

    The government appealled to residents in the affected areas to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that can assist in preventing attacks and apprehending perpetrators.

    It warned residents against retaliation, noting: “Citizens are equally urged to resist the temptation to resort to reprisal attacks, which can further escalate violence and undermine the peace-building efforts of the State,” reaffirming its commitment to securing the state.

    According to the statement: “Under the leadership of His Excellency, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Plateau State Government remains committed to peace as a priority. The protection of lives and property is fundamental to the administration’s vision of rebuilding trust, restoring confidence and creating an environment where citizens can live, farm, travel, invest and pursue their livelihoods without fear.

    “The Plateau State Government commiserates with the families of those who lost their lives and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.

    “We assure affected communities that government shares in their pain and will continue to work relentlessly towards securing the state.”

    Meanwhile, the only survivor of the commercial bus attack around Dungus Junction in Kuru community, Nasiru Garba, has explained how he survived the attack, which he said occurred around 9:30 pm as the bus driver parked to drop off some passengers.

    He told Daily Trust that the bus, which was heading to Jos, was stained with blood and riddled with bullet holes.

    the only survivor of the commercial bus attack around Dungus Junction in Kuru community, Nasiru Garba, has explained how he survived the attack, which he said occurred around 9:30 pm as the bus driver parked to drop off some passengers.

    Garba told Daily Trust that the bus, which was heading to Jos, was stained with blood and riddled with bullet holes.

    Recounting the incident, Garba, who was serving as the bus conductor for the fourth day, said all eight passengers and the driver lost their lives in the attack.

    He recalled: “We parked by the roadside and dropped off five passengers. After they alighted, the driver got down to collect transport fare.

    “I was in front of the bus waiting for the driver. Immediately the driver opened the door to enter, the gunmen opened fire on those passengers who alighted.

    “All the passengers that had already alighted, the remaining passengers in the bus, and the driver died.

    “Immediately I heard the gunshots, I bent down in the vehicle. The attackers approached the bus, opened the front door and searched my body. They collected all the money with me and my phone that was being charged.

    “They didn’t say anything while carrying out the act and I didn’t look at their faces.”

   The incidents have heightened tension across the state, with residents urging the security agencies to live up to their responsibilities.