Three people were killed and six injured after gunmen opened fire on traders and market-goers in Mangu, Plateau State.
Three people were killed and six others injured after gunmen opened fire at a vegetable market in Mangu town, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Friday evening.
According to eyewitness accounts cited by the group, the shooting occurred around the close of trading when traders and buyers were preparing to leave.
Gunmen reportedly opened fire on a vehicle carrying some market-goers, injuring the driver and other occupants.
The victims sustained various gunshot and bullet injuries, according to the statement.
The movement said the circumstances of the attack raised concerns that Mwaghavul people may have been targeted, and called for an impartial investigation into the incident.
The victims who died were identified as Dyelshak Jacob, 18, who died at the scene; Nankyer Andrew, 30; and Jessica Thomas, 35, who died shortly after the shooting.
Those receiving medical treatment were identified as Paulina Collins, 50; Gloria Fwangshak, 25; Destiny Zubairu, 20; Barnabas Thomas, 15; Sekyen Longkat, 30; and six-month-old Direetkhinaan.
The Mwaghavul Youth Movement (MYM), which condemned the attack, called for an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify those responsible.
In a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs, Tubwot Sunday, on behalf of the movement’s President, Kyesmang Yusuf, MYM also appealed for assistance for the injured victims.
It also urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid staying unnecessarily late in markets and other vulnerable public places, while stressing that government and security agencies had the responsibility to protect lives and property.
The movement called for the immediate identification and arrest of the attackers and their alleged collaborators, a security review of the market and surrounding areas, and increased security presence around markets, major roads and other vulnerable locations.