Gunmen Attack: Kill 3, Injure 6, including a six-month-old, in Mangu
Our Correspondent
The incident occurred on Friday night around 8:30 pm and has thrown the market community into mourning.
The victims who lost their lives were identified as Dyelshak Jacob, 18, who died on the spot, Nankyer Andrew, 30, and Jessica Thomas, 35, who died a few minutes after the attack.
Those injured and currently receiving treatment are Paulina Collins, 50, Gloria Fwangshak, 25, Destiny Zubairu, 20, Barnabas Thomas, 15, Sekyen Longkat, 30, and six-month-old Direetkhinaan, who sustained a bullet injury to the hand.
Eyewitnesses said the attack happened at the close of market when traders and buyers were preparing to return home.
Several market-goers had entered a vehicle to leave when gunmen suddenly opened fire. The driver was shot in the leg but managed to escape, while other occupants were hit by bullets.
Condemning the attack in the strongest terms, the Mwaghavul Youth Movement, MYM, said the shooting was not indiscriminate but targeted at Mwaghavul people.
In a statement issued on Thursday, September 18, 2026 and signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Tubwot Joël Sunday, the group said the circumstances surrounding the incident raise serious concerns that this was not simply indiscriminate or random shooting in a crowded marketplace, but an attack directed at Mwaghavul people travelling in a specific vehicle by the Fulani criminals, some of whom are harboured by the Hausas around the market area ‘Derkong’.
The MYM called for a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the identities of the attackers. The group appealed to government, humanitarian organizations and public-spirited individuals to assist the injured with medical attention.
While demanding adequate protection from government and security agencies, the MYM also cautioned its people against staying late in vulnerable public places.
It urged them to avoid unnecessarily staying late in markets after trading activities have ended, plan their return journeys before nightfall, avoid travelling alone or in predictable patterns and immediately report suspicious movements.
The youth group stressed that the caution is not to blame victims, adding that the primary responsibility for protecting lives and property rests with the government and its security agencies, and that people have every legitimate right to conduct their businesses and return home safely.
The MYM noted that the latest incident comes against the backdrop of repeated attacks in Mangu and other parts of Plateau State. A local development association in Mangu had earlier raised alarm that over 750 of its members have been killed in terror attacks in the past three years.
The Youth Movement demanded an immediate comprehensive investigation, arrest of attackers and collaborators, security review of Mangu market especially at closing hours, and increased visible security presence around markets and major roads.
It commiserated with families of the deceased and wished the injured quick recovery, calling on people to remain vigilant, calm and united.
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