Terrorists kill 9 passengers, 6 others in Plateau fresh attack

No fewer than 15 people were killed in separate attacks by gunmen on communities in Jos South, Mangu and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State on Sunday night, with nine of the victims being passengers travelling to Jos.

The passengers were killed when suspected terrorists opened fire on their vehicle at Dungus community in Jos South Local Government Area, while other victims were killed in separate attacks in Mangu and Riyom.

Spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, who confirmed the Dungus attack on Monday, said the victims were passengers travelling to Jos when the attackers opened fire on their vehicle.

He said, “The incident happened around 9.40 p.m. The victims were all passengers travelling to Jos when the terrorists opened fire on the vehicle. Among those killed was a member of Operation Rainbow. It is a very sad development, and we lament the loss of lives.”

According to him, some of the passengers sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to hospitals, where some later died.

“It was a vehicle carrying passengers to Jos. The attackers opened fire on them, and some of the victims were killed,” he said.

A resident of the community, Musa Dauda, also confirmed the attack, saying some of the injured passengers died while receiving treatment in hospital.

Dauda said, “Some of the passengers who were injured were taken to the hospital, but some of them died while receiving treatment. Others are still in the hospital receiving treatment.”

Meanwhile, in Mangu Local Government Area, suspected terrorists reportedly attacked Vodni in Pushit District during the night, killing two persons.

Four others sustained gunshot injuries in the attack and were receiving treatment at a hospital in Mangu town.

Also in Riyom Local Government Area, two persons were reportedly killed at Tahoos in a separate attack around the same period.

In its reaction, the Plateau State Government has condemned the attacks, urging residents not to resort to reprisals.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the government said it “has received with grave concern reports of fresh attacks on Saturday 12th September 2026 in parts of Mangu Local Government Area, resulting in the loss of lives and injuries to citizens. Also a reported tragic incidence at Dungus Junction, Kuru Jos South Local Government Area on Sunday 13th September 2026.”

The government described the incidents as “deeply disturbing, especially at a time when the State Government, in collaboration with security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders, has continued to strengthen the peace and security architecture of the State through sustained dialogue, intelligence sharing, community engagement and other proactive measures.”

It appealed to residents in the affected areas to cooperate with security agencies.

“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,” the statement said.

The government also warned residents against retaliation.

“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,” it stated.

The administration of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang reaffirmed its commitment to securing the state.

“Under the leadership of His Excellency, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang ESQ, the Plateau State Government remains committed to peace as a priority. The protection of lives and property is fundamental to the administration’s vision of rebuilding trust, restoring confidence and creating an environment where citizens can live, farm, travel, invest and pursue their livelihoods without fear,” the statement read.

The government also commiserated with the victims of the attacks.

“The Plateau State Government commiserates with the families of those who lost their lives and wishes the injured a speedy recovery. We assure affected communities that Government shares in their pain and will continue to work relentlessly towards securing the State,” the Commissioner said.

Security agencies have been deployed to the affected areas in Mangu and Kuru, while the government said it would continue to work with traditional and community leaders to sustain dialogue and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

However, troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested six kidnappers operating around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The Army also said it received a surrendered Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist at Borgozo in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.

The Acting Military Information Officer, North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Goni said the six kidnappers were arrested following credible human intelligence on their activities.

The statement read, “Following credible human intelligence on the activities of a suspected kidnapping syndicate operating around Soktu Hill in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State, troops of Sector 4 OPHK, in conjunction with local hunters, swiftly mobilised and raided the identified hideout.”

The operation, he said, “led to the arrest of three suspected members of the syndicate and the recovery of one Dane gun.”

“Further investigation and subsequent covert operations led to the arrest of three additional members of the syndicate, bringing the total number of suspects arrested to six,” he added.

According to Goni, preliminary investigation revealed that the syndicate had been operating within the Soktu, Dumne and Maigero general areas of Song LGA.

The suspects, he said, also reportedly admitted involvement in the abduction of several victims for ransom and other violent crimes within the area.

“They remain in military custody for further investigation and appropriate legal action,” he stated.

Goni, however, noted that on September 13, 2026, troops of 29 Task Force Brigade operating under Sector 2 OPHK, in conjunction with Forest Guards, received a surrendered Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist at Borgozo in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the terrorist escaped from a terrorist enclave with the intention of abandoning terrorism,” he said.

The Army spokesman said items recovered from him included one AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, four magazines, one improvised explosive device, one magazine pouch and a bicycle.

“The surrendered terrorist is currently in military custody undergoing further investigation and profiling in accordance with extant procedures,” he stated.

Goni said the successes underscored the sustained pressure being mounted by troops of Operation Hadin Kai against terrorists and other criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area.

“The Theatre Command remains committed to sustaining offensive operations, denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action, creating a safer environment for law-abiding citizens and enabling an environment for socioeconomic activities to thrive,” he assured.