- Odibo Victory
No fewer than nine persons have been killed after gunmen attacked a passenger bus at Dungus in Kuru District, Jos South Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Alfred Alabo, on Monday in Jos.
According to the command, it received a distress call at about 7:45 p.m. on Sunday reporting that gunmen riding a motorcycle had opened fire on the bus.
The Toyota bus, with registration number BUU 621 ZL, was reportedly conveying passengers to Jos when the attackers launched the assault.
Police said seven passengers died at the scene, while two others who sustained gunshot wounds later died in hospital, bringing the death toll to nine.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police (CP), Ayodeji Faniyan, deployed Mobile Police personnel, tactical teams, homicide detectives and forensic experts to the scene.
The teams, drawn from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), were directed to investigate the attack and track down those responsible.
Faniyan condemned the incident as callous and expressed condolences to the families of the victims and residents of Plateau State.
He ordered a vigorous manhunt for the perpetrators and directed the police to collaborate with other security agencies to apprehend and prosecute the attackers.
The command also reiterated that the ban on commercial motorcycle operations within areas covered by the Greater Jos Master Plan remained in effect.
It warned that commercial motorcycle operators who violate the directive would be sanctioned in accordance with the law.
Faniyan urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, while advising them to report suspicious persons or activities to the police and other security agencies.
He said residents should call the police control room emergency numbers 07059473022 and 08038907662 to report suspicious activities.