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Gunmen have opened fire on an open-body Boxer vehicle carrying 20 passengers from the Kara Bukuru livestock market in Plateau State, leaving seven people with gunshot wounds.
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The vehicle was ambushed at about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday near the Total Roundabout in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area, while the passengers were returning to Rafin Bauna village in Bassa Local Government Area.
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The injured passengers were taken to Rukuba Barracks Hospital for medical treatment. No death had been officially reported as of Monday morning, although the victims’ conditions remained unclear.
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The latest attack has renewed concerns over repeated violence along routes used by traders and pastoralists returning from the Kara Bukuru livestock market, prompting calls for increased security and an investigation to identify the attackers.
October 5, (THEWILL) – Seven passengers were reportedly shot when gunmen ambushed a vehicle conveying 20 people from the Kara Bukuru livestock market in Plateau State on Sunday evening.
The incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. near the Total Roundabout in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area, as the passengers travelled towards Rafin Bauna village in Bassa Local Government Area.
The vehicle, an open-body Boxer, was reportedly attacked by the gunmen who opened fire on the passengers.
According to details shared by counter-insurgency publication, Zagazola Makama, citing accounts from the driver and a survivor identified as Murtala Isa Ibrahim, seven passengers sustained gunshot wounds during the attack.
The injured victims were promptly taken to Rukuba Barracks Hospital for medical attention.
Their conditions were not immediately known as of Monday morning. There was also no official confirmation of any fatality from the attack.
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The Kara Bukuru livestock market is an important commercial centre for livestock traders and pastoralists, with many depending on the market for their livelihoods.
Pastoralist associations have condemned the recurring attacks along routes used by traders and herders returning from the market.
They recalled that five Fulani herders were killed around Kassa in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on September 20 while reportedly returning from the same market.
The associations also referenced an earlier attack near the Conoil Filling Station in December 2025.
They called on the Plateau State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, Operation Safe Haven and the Department of State Services to urgently strengthen security along the Bukuru corridor.
They also called for a thorough investigation to identify and arrest those responsible for the shooting.
The leaders urged security agencies to take preventive measures to protect traders, pastoralists and other road users, particularly those travelling from the market to their communities.
Community leaders also appealed for calm, warning against retaliatory attacks that could trigger further violence.
They stressed the need for justice and equal protection for all residents, regardless of ethnic or occupational background.
As of Monday morning, formal statements from the Plateau State Police Command or the military authorities confirming the latest attack were still awaited.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
