Nasiru Garba, the lone survivor of a deadly attack on a commercial bus in Plateau State, has recounted how he narrowly escaped death when gunmen opened fire on passengers travelling to Jos.
The attack occurred on Sunday night at Dungus Junction in Kuru community, Jos South Local Government Area, leaving eight passengers and the driver dead.
Garba, who worked as the bus conductor, said the vehicle had stopped by the roadside to drop off five passengers before the driver stepped down to collect fares.
He said he was standing at the front of the bus when the driver returned and opened the door to get back inside, prompting the attackers to open fire.
“Immediately I heard the gunshots, I bent down,” Garba recounted.
According to him, the attackers approached the bus, opened the front door and searched him but did not discover that he was hiding inside.
He said the assailants took the money he had with him and his phone, which was charging, before leaving the scene.
Garba said he did not see the attackers’ faces because he kept his head down throughout the incident.
“I am new on the job. This was just my fourth day working as a bus conductor,” he said.
The attack was reported at about 9:30 p.m., with community sources saying some passengers initially injured in the shooting were taken to hospital, although some later died.
The incident was one of several attacks reported in Plateau State on Sunday night, with additional deaths recorded in parts of Mangu and Riyom Local Government Areas. The Plateau State Government has condemned the attacks and called on residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information.
