Five Killed, Two Critically Injured as Gunmen Attack Friday Market in Mangu, Plateau

Five people are confirmed dead and two remain critically injured following an attack by suspected gunmen at a busy Friday market in Mangu, a town situated approximately 52 miles south of Jos, the capital of Plateau State. The violent incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. in the market section renowned for perishable goods, where numerous traders were concluding their day's work.

Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants entered the area and commenced shooting randomly, prompting hundreds of people to flee in terror and abandon their possessions. Local sources indicate that the two individuals suffering from injuries are receiving urgent medical attention at a nearby hospital. The scene was described as chaotic, with victims sustaining injuries in their abdomen and lower limbs as they attempted to escape the onslaught.

A resident who witnessed the attack recounted that people awaiting transportation home were caught off guard. They described the situation as one where everyone was preparing to leave when the gunmen suddenly appeared and began firing. People rushed for their lives, leaving behind their belongings. The occurrence of this attack follows closely on the heels of a local development association in Mangu expressing concerns over the ongoing insecurity in the region.

This group noted that over 750 of its members have been killed in terror-related attacks over the past three years, and they issued a warning that threats against communities persist despite repeated calls for intervention. Although security agencies have not issued an official statement, emergency responders and community volunteers are currently working diligently to secure the area and provide assistance to the affected families.

Residents expressed a lingering sense of fear as emergency responders strive to evacuate the injured and recover bodies from the scene.