At least nine people have been killed after gunmen opened fire on a commercial bus at Dungus Junction in Kuru community, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attack occurred at about 9.30 p.m. on Sunday when the bus, which was travelling towards Jos, stopped by the roadside to allow passengers to alight.

Nasiru Garba, the bus conductor and reported sole survivor of the attack, said the driver had stopped to drop off five passengers when gunmen suddenly opened fire.

The attack came a day before Chief of Army Staff Waidi Shaibu visited Plateau State and ordered troops to maintain pressure on criminal elements as authorities confront renewed violence across parts of the state.

SOLE SURVIVOR RECOUNTS ATTACK

Garba said he was standing at the front of the vehicle when he heard gunshots and immediately bent down inside the bus.

According to his account, the passengers who had already left the vehicle, those who remained inside and the driver were killed.

Garba said the attackers subsequently approached the vehicle and opened the front door.

He said they searched him and took money and his mobile phone before leaving.

Garba said the attackers did not speak to him and he was unable to identify their faces.

The conductor said the incident left him terrified and confused, adding that he had started working on the bus only four days before the attack.

The vehicle was later found riddled with bullet holes and stained with blood.

The killings have renewed concerns about the safety of commuters travelling along vulnerable routes in Plateau State, particularly at night.

FRESH VIOLENCE REPORTED IN OTHER COMMUNITIES

The bus attack comes amid reports of separate violent incidents in other parts of Plateau.

Community leaders reported that three young herders were killed and about 50 cattle shot in Aloghom in Mangu Local Government Area.

Another incident in Nyerwe in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area reportedly resulted in the death of a herder and 18 cattle.

Plateau has experienced repeated cycles of violence involving communities in different parts of the state, resulting in deaths, displacement and destruction of property.

ARMY CHIEF VISITS PLATEAU

Shaibu visited the headquarters of the Nigerian Army's 3 Division and Operation Enduring Peace in Jos on Monday.

During the visit, he reviewed the security situation and ongoing military operations with General Officer Commanding 3 Division Maxwell Dangana and other senior officers.

The army chief directed troops to sustain pressure on criminal elements and intensify efforts aimed at consolidating peace and stability across Plateau State.

He also inspected the construction of the Nigerian Army Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Control Station.

The facility is expected to strengthen the military's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

Shaibu commended troops for their sacrifices and urged personnel to remain vigilant while responding decisively to security threats.

He also stressed that military operations must be conducted professionally and with respect for the rights of law abiding citizens.

RESIDENTS URGED TO SUPPORT SECURITY OPERATIONS

The army chief called for stronger cooperation between the military, other security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and residents.

He urged communities to provide security agencies with credible and timely information that could help identify threats and prevent further attacks.

The latest killings have intensified calls for greater security along roads connecting rural communities with Jos and other parts of Plateau State.

Authorities are under renewed pressure to prevent further violence and improve protection for residents and commuters travelling through vulnerable areas.