Fifteen people were killed in separate attacks by suspected terrorists in three local government areas of Plateau State on Sunday night, throwing communities into panic and mourning.
Nine of the victims were passengers travelling to Jos when gunmen opened fire on their vehicle at Dungus community in Jos South Local Government Area.
Six other people were reportedly killed in separate attacks in Mangu and Riyom local government areas.
The Dungus attack occurred at about 9:40pm, according to the spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, who confirmed the incident on Monday.
Tengwong said the attackers ambushed the vehicle carrying passengers to Jos and opened fire indiscriminately.
He said one of those killed was a member of Operation Rainbow, while several other passengers sustained gunshot injuries.
“The victims were all passengers travelling to Jos when the terrorists opened fire on the vehicle. Among those killed was a member of Operation Rainbow. It is a very sad development, and we lament the loss of lives,” he said.
According to him, some of the injured victims were rushed to hospitals for treatment, but some later died from their injuries.
A resident, Musa Dauda, also confirmed the incident, saying some of the wounded passengers died while receiving medical attention.
He said, “Some of the passengers who were injured were taken to the hospital, but some of them died while receiving treatment. Others are still in the hospital receiving treatment.”
The violence also spread to Mangu Local Government Area, where suspected terrorists attacked Vodni in Pushit District during the night.
Two people were reportedly killed in the attack, while four others sustained gunshot injuries and were receiving treatment at a hospital in Mangu town.
In Riyom Local Government Area, two persons were also reportedly killed at Tahoos in a separate attack around the same period.
The latest attacks have heightened concerns over the security situation in parts of Plateau State, where communities have continued to grapple with attacks and reprisals.
Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Plateau State Police Command and the Media Officer of Operation Enduring Peace were unsuccessful as of the time of filing the report.
