3 feared dead, 5 injured in fresh Plateau market attack

Three persons have reportedly been killed and five others injured after unidentified gunmen opened fire at Yan Gwari Market in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau state.

The attack, which occurred on Friday night, has heightened concerns over the security situation in Mangu and other parts of Plateau state, where a series of deadly attacks have been recorded in recent weeks.

The victims were identified as Nanker Andrew, Delshak Jacob and Jessica Thomas, who reportedly died at the scene of the attack.

Those said to have sustained injuries include Polina Colis, Gloria Fwanshak, Sekyen Lonkat and Bamret Thomas, who were receiving medical treatment following the incident.

However, the casualty figures, as well as the identities and conditions of some of the injured, could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report. Blueprint reports

Gunmen storm market

According to accounts of the incident, the attackers opened fire on people around the busy trading area, sending traders, customers and other residents fleeing for safety.

The shooting reportedly triggered panic in the market, with people scrambling to escape as the assailants made their way out of the area.

The attackers were said to have opened fire on a vehicle leaving the vegetable market in Mangu town, with several people reportedly injured in the incident.

Some of the injured were said to have been taken to medical facilities for treatment, while others were reportedly referred to Jos for further medical attention.

During their escape, the attackers reportedly accosted one Abdul Muhammad around the Kwata area of the market before fleeing through the Water Board axis.

The motive for the attack remained unknown, while the identities of the assailants were also yet to be established.

Fresh wave of violence

The latest incident came barely days after Plateau State recorded a series of attacks in different communities, particularly in Mangu, Jos South, Riyom and Barkin Ladi local government areas.

On September 12, fresh attacks were reported in parts of Mangu, while another deadly incident occurred around Dungus Junction in Kuru, Jos South Local Government Area, the following day.

Several people were killed in separate attacks recorded in Jos South, Mangu and Riyom on September 13.

In one of the incidents, nine passengers travelling towards Jos were reportedly killed after their vehicle came under attack at Dungus community in Jos South.

Two other persons were reportedly killed at Vodni in Mangu, while another two lost their lives in an attack at Tahoos in Riyom.

Security agencies were said to have commenced investigations into the incidents, with efforts also being made to establish the circumstances surrounding the attacks and identify those responsible.

Mangu bears brunt

Mangu has remained one of the areas worst affected by the renewed violence, with several communities coming under attack within a short period.

Four persons were reportedly killed in attacks on Kikyau, Larkas, Ntul and Kinat communities in Mangu over a three-day period, with the latest incident occurring at Kinat on September 12.

The attacks have occurred despite intensified security operations in the area, raising fresh concerns among residents over the safety of lives, property and economic activities.

In another incident, three young herders were reportedly killed at Aloghom in Mangu, while other attacks were recorded in parts of Barkin Ladi.

The development has continued to heighten fears among residents, many of whom depend on farming, livestock production and trading for their livelihoods.

Troops intensify operations

The renewed violence has occurred against the backdrop of intensified military operations across Plateau State.

Troops operating under Operation Enduring Peace have increased patrols and other security activities in affected communities as part of efforts to prevent further attacks.

In one of the recent operations, troops deployed around Manja community in Mangu reportedly foiled an attempt by suspected armed herders to move towards farmlands.

The suspected attackers were said to have retreated into the forest following the intervention, after which troops conducted a search of the surrounding area.

Security agencies have also continued to appeal to residents to provide credible information that could assist in identifying criminal elements and preventing further attacks.

Reprisal fears persist

The latest wave of violence has also raised concerns over possible reprisal attacks, particularly as some of the incidents have involved both farming and herding communities.

In a separate attack in Alohom, Sabon Gari district of Mangu, three people were reportedly killed while two others were declared missing after suspected armed militia attacked herders.

Several cattle were also reportedly killed or injured during the incident.

Such attacks have the potential to deepen existing tensions between communities and trigger a cycle of retaliation if not promptly contained.

Plateau has for years experienced recurring violence linked to disputes involving land, farming, grazing, community boundaries and other local grievances. The latest incidents have once again placed affected communities under considerable security pressure.

The state government has continued to urge residents to shun reprisals and allow security agencies to investigate attacks and apprehend those responsible.

For traders and residents of Yan Gwari Market, Friday night’s attack has added to growing concerns over the safety of commercial activities in Mangu.

Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, ascertain the actual number of casualties and identify the perpetrators.

Until an official account is released, the motive for the attack, identities of the attackers and final casualty figure remain subject to further investigation.