Plateau Attacks: Gunmen Kill Passengers, 13 Dead Across Three LGAs

At least 13 people have been killed in a fresh wave of violence across Plateau State, with gunmen attacking a commercial bus in Jos South Local Government Area and separate communities in Mangu and Riyom LGAs.

The attacks, which occurred between Saturday and Monday, September 12 and 14, 2026, have heightened fears of renewed reprisal violence in communities already affected by prolonged tensions and recurring clashes.

One of the deadliest incidents occurred at Dungus Kuru T-junction, near Science School in Jos South, where gunmen opened fire on a commercial bus travelling from the Farin Lamba axis towards Jos.

The attack reportedly occurred at about 8:30pm on Sunday as the vehicle was moving through the area. The assailants opened fire on the bus before fleeing, leaving several passengers dead and others injured.

An initial military account put the death toll at six passengers, comprising five males and one female, while two others sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to hospital.

Troops responding to a distress call subsequently moved into the area and began operations to track down the attackers.

However, subsequent accounts from community sources placed the number of people killed in the bus attack at nine, saying some passengers who initially survived the shooting later died from their injuries.

The Berom Youth Moulders, through its spokesman, Rwang Tengwong, reportedly said one of the victims was a member of Operation Rainbow, a local security initiative operating in Plateau State.

The differing casualty figures could not immediately be reconciled, as security authorities were still working to establish the full circumstances and final toll of the attack.

The Plateau State Police Command also confirmed that attacks had occurred but indicated that investigations were ongoing and that further details would be provided after the facts had been established.

The identities and motive of the attackers remained unknown as of Tuesday, while security agencies continued efforts to locate those responsible.

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The Dungus Kuru bus attack came amid a series of other deadly incidents reported in parts of Mangu Local Government Area, further raising concerns about the possibility of retaliatory attacks.

In Alohom community in Mangu, three young Fulani herders were reportedly killed in an attack.

The victims were identified as Garzali Shaibu, 18; Bashiru Yakubu, 14; and Salim Abubakar, 15.

Security reports indicated that 36 cattle were also killed, while another 12 sustained gunshot injuries. Two other members of the herding group were initially reported missing.

Troops deployed to the area reportedly recovered the bodies of the three victims.

Members of the affected Fulani community alleged that suspected Mwaghavul militia were responsible for the attack. The allegation, however, had not been independently established by security authorities, and no particular group had been officially identified as responsible.

The violence reportedly continued in Vodni community in Mangu LGA, where suspected attackers killed two people and injured several others.

Reports on the incident also indicated that children were among those affected, with five children reportedly found injured inside a house after troops responding to a distress call arrived in the community.

The injured children were evacuated to Mangu General Hospital for treatment.

Another attack was reported in Tahoos in Riyom Local Government Area, where two people were reportedly killed.

The incidents across Jos South, Mangu and Riyom brought the reported death toll from the fresh violence to at least 13, although community accounts suggested that the figure could be higher.

The latest Plateau violence has renewed concerns about the fragile security situation in the state, particularly in communities where disputes involving farming and herding populations have previously triggered cycles of attacks and reprisals.

The killing of passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle has also raised fresh concerns about the safety of motorists and commuters using roads connecting communities around Jos South and neighbouring local government areas.

Residents fear that the latest killings could lead to retaliatory attacks if security agencies fail to identify the perpetrators and prevent further violence.

Security forces operating under Operation Enduring Peace have continued patrols and responses in affected areas, while authorities are expected to intensify surveillance and efforts to apprehend those responsible.

Community leaders and security agencies are also under pressure to prevent the latest incidents from escalating into wider communal violence and to protect residents, farmers, herders and commuters across vulnerable areas.

For now, investigations into the Dungus Kuru attack and the other incidents are continuing, while authorities work to establish the final casualty figures, identify the perpetrators and determine the motives behind the attacks.

Plateau Attacks: Gunmen Kill Passengers, 13 Dead Across Three LGAs

Police Arrest Mother Over Alleged Brutal Abuse of 7-Year-Old Girl in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old woman, Mrs Ogechi Ofoma, following the alleged brutal physical abuse of her seven-year-old daughter in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

The incident was reported to the police on the evening of Sunday, September 13, 2026, after the child was reportedly found with severe bodily injuries in the Awada-Obosi area.

According to the police, security personnel from the Ibollo Community and concerned residents intervened after becoming aware of the alleged abuse. The intervention led to the rescue of the child and the arrest of her mother.

Preliminary findings indicate that the girl suffered serious physical injuries. The police said the injuries were reportedly inflicted with a hot knife, although investigations are still ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.

The child has been taken under the care and protection of relevant authorities, while the Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare is working with the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, to facilitate urgent medical attention and welfare support for the victim.

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The police have commenced an investigation into the incident to determine what led to the alleged abuse and whether any other person was involved.

Mrs Ofoma remains in police custody as investigators work to establish the full circumstances of the case and determine the appropriate legal action.

The intervention by the Ibollo Community security personnel and residents has also drawn attention to the role of communities in protecting children and reporting suspected cases of child abuse.

Cases involving children who suffer physical violence can require intervention from law enforcement, social welfare authorities and other child-protection agencies to ensure the victim’s immediate safety and access to appropriate care.

The Anambra Police Command commended the community members who responded to the situation and helped secure the child’s rescue.

The case comes amid continuing concerns over child abuse in Nigeria, particularly physical violence against children who may be unable to protect themselves or report their experiences.

Authorities are expected to establish the nature and extent of the girl’s injuries, examine available evidence and determine whether additional suspects should be questioned or arrested.

The outcome of the investigation will determine the next legal steps in the case.

Police Arrest Mother Over Alleged Brutal Abuse of 7-Year-Old Girl in Anambra

Petrol Price Hits N1,450/Litre as Middle East Crisis Pushes Oil Above $108

The petrol price in Nigeria has climbed to as high as ₦1,450 per litre in Abuja and about ₦1,400 in parts of Lagos, following a fresh increase in the price of refined petroleum products amid a sharp rise in international crude oil prices.

The latest increase comes after the Dangote Petroleum Refinery raised its petrol gantry price by ₦85, from ₦1,265 to ₦1,350 per litre, effective September 12, 2026.

The adjustment, representing a 6.7 per cent increase, has added fresh pressure to the downstream petroleum market as international crude prices surge amid escalating Middle East tensions and concerns over disruptions to global oil supplies.

The latest Dangote adjustment is the refinery’s fourth increase in about three weeks. Its petrol gantry price has risen by roughly 15.9 per cent since August 21, when the price stood at ₦1,165 per litre.

The impact has already become visible at filling stations, although pump prices vary from one location and marketer to another depending on supply costs, transportation expenses, existing stock and pricing decisions.

In Abuja, some filling stations have raised their prices to ₦1,450 per litre, while others are selling between ₦1,395 and ₦1,400. The increases have also been recorded in Lagos and Ibadan, with several outlets reviewing their prices upwards.

The latest retail movements are coming against a dramatic surge in the international oil market. Brent crude, the global benchmark, has risen above $107 per barrel, with prices reaching about $108.33 amid renewed concerns over global supply.

The oil price rally has been driven by escalating military tensions in the Middle East, attacks on energy infrastructure and growing concerns over the movement of crude through major international shipping routes.

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A drone attack also forced Saudi Arabia to temporarily shut its East-West Pipeline, a key route that allows the country to transport crude to the Red Sea without passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The disruption has heightened concerns about the availability of global oil supplies.

The Strait of Hormuz remains another major source of concern for the global energy market because of its importance to international crude and petroleum-product shipments. Any prolonged disruption to the waterway could further tighten supplies and push oil prices higher.

The current oil shock is already having consequences beyond crude prices. Refiners and fuel suppliers around the world are facing higher replacement costs, while disruptions to shipping and refining infrastructure are increasing the cost of moving petroleum products.

That situation has direct implications for Nigeria despite the country’s growing domestic refining capacity.

The Dangote Refinery, which has become a major supplier of refined petroleum products in Nigeria, has itself adjusted its prices in response to changing international market conditions.

The refinery also increased its coastal price from ₦1,669,543 to ₦1,783,530 per metric tonne, an increase of ₦113,987 or 6.8 per cent.

The latest increase highlights the extent to which global crude prices continue to influence Nigeria’s domestic petroleum market even as local refining expands.

The refinery has also been increasing its crude purchases from Nigeria. It has secured at least 16 million barrels of Nigerian crude for October, equivalent to about 520,000 barrels per day, representing a substantial share of its roughly 700,000-barrel-per-day operating capacity.

The growing availability of locally refined petrol has reduced Nigeria’s dependence on imported finished products, but it does not completely insulate consumers from international oil-price movements. Crude is traded in a global market, while refinery economics, product replacement costs, shipping and other downstream expenses remain sensitive to international conditions.

The latest development is particularly significant because Nigeria’s petrol market is deregulated, meaning retail prices can respond to changes in crude prices, exchange rates, supply costs and competition among marketers.

The current increase could therefore put additional pressure on transport operators, logistics companies, manufacturers and households that depend heavily on petrol.

For consumers, higher pump prices can translate into increased transportation and distribution costs, while businesses that use petrol-powered generators and vehicles may also face higher operating expenses.

The effect could extend to food and other consumer goods if higher fuel and logistics costs are passed through the supply chain.

The renewed pressure comes at a time when the global refining industry is also facing significant disruptions.

David Bird, chief executive of the Dangote Refinery, recently warned that global fuel shortages could continue beyond the current Iran-related conflict because of damage to Middle Eastern refining infrastructure, high refinery utilisation rates and efforts by countries to rebuild depleted fuel inventories.

According to the refinery, the combination of the Middle East conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war has placed additional pressure on global refining capacity and fuel supplies.

Dangote has said it expects to expand its Nigerian refinery capacity further, with plans aimed at increasing its ability to supply refined products to Nigeria and international markets.

For Nigeria, greater domestic refining capacity could strengthen supply security over the long term, but the immediate impact of higher global crude prices is being felt through the cost of petroleum products.

The latest ₦1,450 per litre petrol price in parts of Abuja therefore reflects a combination of domestic pricing adjustments and a rapidly changing international oil market.

There is no uniform national pump price, and motorists in different states and even within the same city may continue to encounter different prices.

However, the movement of petrol towards ₦1,400–₦1,450 per litre at several filling stations signals renewed pressure on Nigerian consumers.

With Brent crude above $108 per barrel, continuing uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz and other major oil routes, and concerns about global refining capacity, further volatility in petrol prices remains possible.

Unless international oil prices retreat significantly or supply disruptions ease, Nigerian motorists and businesses may continue to face pressure from elevated fuel prices in the coming days.

Petrol Price Hits N1,450/Litre as Middle East Crisis Pushes Oil Above $108