At least three people were killed and dozens wounded when gunmen opened fire on a busy vegetable market in Mangu town, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Friday night.
The attack, which began at about 8:30 p.m. as traders and buyers were preparing to close for the day, started when gunmen fired several shots at a vehicle leaving the market. Two women and a young man were killed in the initial burst, according to Bulus Dabit, president of the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA). The sudden shooting caused panic, prompting a stampede that left several traders and passers‑by seriously injured.
“At about 8 p.m. on Friday, gunmen shot several times at a vehicle leaving the vegetable market in Mangu, killing two women and a young man. The names of the victims are not known yet. Several passers‑by were seriously injured and are being referred to the Jos University Teaching Hospital for treatment,” said Dabit.
Injured victims were taken to Jos University Teaching Hospital for treatment. Dabit called on security agencies to use intelligence and technology to identify and apprehend the perpetrators, noting that the attackers would not be far from the scene of the crime.
The incident follows a string of attacks against Mwaghavul communities in Mangu and neighbouring Barkin Ladi and Bokkos local government areas. The MDA has reported that 750 Mwaghavul people have been killed in attacks since 2023, heightening concerns over the safety of residents and their livelihoods.
In response to the ongoing violence, the headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) was relocated after a killing of 24 people in Kumbun District of Mangu. The General Officer Commanding 3 Armoured Division, Maj‑Gen. Williams Dangana, has established Operation Hard Knock to curb the violence in the area.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
