Eight travellers killed, 19 others injured as mob attack varsity bus in Plateau

At least eight people have been confirmed dead and 19 others injured following a violent mob attack on a bus belonging to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in Manjul community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident occurred on Friday evening when the bus, carrying 31 passengers en route to a wedding ceremony in Qua’anpan LGA, lost its way at Kyarang junction. The driver stopped to ask for directions, but the group was soon ambushed by local youths.

A survivor, Ibrahim Umar, recounted the harrowing experience, saying: “We were coming from Zaria for a friend’s wedding. Our driver missed the road and stopped to ask for directions. Suddenly, some youths identified us as Hausa and shouted, ‘Let’s kill them.’ They attacked us with machetes, stones, and sticks. Eight people were killed on the spot, including the driver. The bus was set ablaze, burning several of the victims.”

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According to Umar, four others remain missing, while 19 injured passengers are currently receiving treatment at the Mangu General Hospital.

Chairman of Mangu LGA, Emmanuel Bala, confirmed the attack and described it as a tragic case of mistaken identity. He explained that the community had been on high alert following earlier attacks and feared another bandit strike.

“It was a terrible mistake. The youths, acting on false information, mistook the travelers for attackers. Security agencies are now investigating the matter,” Bala stated.

He added that both the deceased and injured were promptly taken to the hospital and assured that efforts are ongoing to prevent further violence in the area.