Gunmen on Sunday evening opened fire on a vehicle carrying traders returning from the Kara Bukuru Livestock Market in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing one person and injuring seven others.

The victim was identified as Musa Abubakar.

The incident occurred at about 7 p.m. around the Bukuru Low-Cost area, according to sources who spoke to Vanguard.

Traders Attacked While Returning From Market

The traders were reportedly travelling from the Kara Bukuru Livestock Market when the attackers opened fire on their vehicle.

A separate report said the victims were heading towards Bassa Local Government Area and came under attack around the Total Filling Station at Yelwa Club Junction, Bukuru, at about 5:30 p.m.

The seven injured victims were taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

The identity of the attackers and their motive were not immediately known

.

MACBAN Condemns Attack

The Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, confirmed the incident and condemned the attack.

Its chairman, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, described the incident as disturbing, saying the victims were returning from what he described as their lawful business activities.

Babayo urged the Nigeria Police Force, Operation Safe Haven, the Department of State Services and other security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and identify those responsible.

He also called for stronger security along the route used by traders travelling to and from the Kara Bukuru market.

Calls for Calm

The MACBAN chairman appealed to members of the association to remain calm and avoid retaliation following the attack.

He said the recurrence of attacks along routes around the livestock market had increased fear among pastoralists and traders who depend on the market for their livelihoods.

Babayo also recalled that five herders were reportedly killed around Kassa in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on September 20 while returning from the same market.

He urged the Plateau State Government and security agencies to take measures to prevent further attacks and protect people using the route.

Police Yet to Confirm Attack

At the time of reporting, efforts to obtain comments from the Plateau State Police Command and Operation Enduring Peace on the latest incident were unsuccessful.

The latest attack comes amid renewed security concerns in Plateau State, where several communities have experienced deadly attacks in recent weeks.

The circumstances surrounding Sunday’s shooting remain under investigation.