Mangu market attack leaves at least three dead in Plateau

Gunmen attacked a market in Mangu, Plateau State, on Friday night, killing at least three people and injuring several others.

The attack took place around the vegetable market, also described in reports as the Friday market, as traders and buyers were preparing to leave for the day.

Premium Times reported that three people were killed: two women and a young man. Daily Post reported five deaths, saying two more victims later died in hospital. Because the figures differ, the common confirmed account is at least three dead, with the higher figure attributed to Daily Post.

Both reports cited Bulus Dabit, president of the Mwaghavul Development Association, as saying the attackers opened fire around 8pm on a vehicle leaving the market. He said several injured people were being referred to the Jos University Teaching Hospital for treatment.

Witness accounts described panic as gunfire broke out, with people running from the market and abandoning goods. Premium Times reported that the attack came after the Mwaghavul Development Association raised concerns about threats to communities in Mangu.

The association called for security agencies to use intelligence and technology to track the attackers and investigate recent killings in the local government area.

Sources: Premium Times, Daily Post