Leadnaija
Swift intervention by troops of the Nigerian Army on Friday evening averted a potential mass killing in Mangun community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, following an attack by irate youths on a commercial bus.
The incident occurred around 6:00 p.m. on June 20, when an 18-seater bus conveying passengers of Hausa extraction from Zaria en route Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area veered off its intended route and mistakenly entered Mangun through the Panyam–Kerang–Mangun road.
According to military sources, Zagazola, the bus was intercepted by a mob who, acting on false assumptions, attacked the occupants, killing seven passengers on the spot and injuring 21 others. The attackers also set the vehicle ablaze.
However, troops under Operation Lafiyan Jama’a responded swiftly to distress alerts and arrived at the scene in time to prevent a large-scale massacre.
The soldiers carried out a high-risk rescue operation, successfully evacuating the survivors, who were later taken to the General Hospital, Mangu, for treatment.
Military authorities said preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were unarmed civilians on their way to a wedding ceremony, and had only lost their way.
The Nigerian Army condemned the attack and reiterated its commitment to ensuring peace and security across Plateau State. Security has since been reinforced in the area to prevent further unrest.
Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend those behind the attack.
