Nasiru Garba, the lone survivor of the Dungus Junction attack in Plateau State, has described how he escaped death when gunmen attacked a commercial bus, killing nine people.
Garba, who worked as the bus conductor, said the driver had stopped to drop five passengers before the attackers opened fire. He said he quickly bent down inside the bus as the gunmen approached and opened the front door.
“We parked by the roadside and dropped off five passengers.
“After they alighted, the driver got down to collect the 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 the passengers who had alighted and those inside the bus.
“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 and opened the front door.”
Garba said the attackers searched him, took his money and phone, but did not speak to him. He added: “I am new on the job. This was just my fourth day working as a bus conductor,” he said.
The attack was one of several incidents in Plateau on Sunday night that left 13 people dead in Jos South, Mangu and Riyom.
In Mangu, suspected terrorists attacked Vodni in Pushit District, killing two people and injuring four others. The injured were taken to a hospital in Mangu town.
Two more people were killed in a separate attack at Tahoos in Riyom.
The Plateau State Government condemned the attacks and described the killings as deeply disturbing.
In a statement by Commissioner for Information and Communication Joyce Ramnap, the government said it would keep working with security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen security.
“Government also appeals to citizens, particularly residents of communities affected by insecurity, to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that can assist in preventing attacks and apprehending perpetrators.
“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.
“Under the leadership of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the Plateau State Government remains committed to peace as a priority.”
