A tragic incident unfolded late Friday night in Plateau State as armed assailants attacked a commercial bus transporting wedding guests, leaving at least seven passengers dead and many others injured.
The bus, an 18-seater vehicle reportedly carrying 28 passengers from Zaria in Kaduna State to Qua’an-Pan in southern Plateau for a wedding, was ambushed around 9:47 p.m. along Mangun Road in Mangu Local Government Area.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers emerged suddenly on the outskirts of Mangun, opened fire on the vehicle, and later set it ablaze. The scene turned chaotic, with some passengers killed instantly and others wounded in the attack.
Local residents and community leaders quickly mobilized to assist the victims. Working together with security operatives, they helped rescue survivors from the burning vehicle—an intervention that likely prevented a higher death toll.
Emergency responders swiftly transported the injured to the General Hospital in Mangu, where they are receiving treatment for various degrees of injuries.
Confirming the attack, the Plateau State Police Command disclosed that tactical units had been deployed to the area to track down the culprits and prevent further violence.
“This is a deeply disturbing attack, and we are doing everything possible to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice,” a security source said.
The brutal assault has reignited fears over the rising wave of insecurity across Plateau, particularly the growing trend of targeting commuters on major routes.
Authorities have called for calm, urging residents to remain vigilant while promising increased patrols and stronger security measures to protect travelers.
The victims were reportedly en route to a celebration, turning what should have been a joyous journey into a harrowing tragedy.
