Two people were killed and eight others injured after gunmen attacked traders returning from the Bukuru Kara Livestock Market near the State Low-Cost housing area in Bukuru, Plateau State.
The victims, identified as Fulani herders, were travelling to Bassa Local Government Area when their vehicle came under attack.
The Plateau State Government condemned the incident as tragic and unacceptable. In a statement, Commissioner for Information and Communications Joyce Ramnap expressed condolences to the victims’ families and said security agencies had been directed to investigate the attack.
The government said the investigation would focus on establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident, as well as identifying those responsible and determining their motives.
It also urged communities, traders, pastoralists and other stakeholders to remain calm and reject any attempt to escalate tensions or trigger divisions. The government warned against reprisal attacks and taking the law into individual hands.
According to the statement, the government is working with relevant stakeholders to strengthen security along vulnerable routes and prevent further attacks. Residents were also encouraged to provide security agencies with information that could assist the investigation.
The Plateau State Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities.
The Plateau State Police Command also condemned the attack and said tactical and anti-robbery teams had been deployed to strengthen security in the area and track down the perpetrators.
Police spokesperson SP Alabo Alfred said preliminary investigations indicated that the vehicle was carrying traders returning from Kara Market in Bukuru, Jos.
The Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Ayodeji Faniyan, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Department of Investigations to take full charge of the probe and ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
The command said intelligence gathering had also been intensified to identify the attackers, while advising residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the police.
