The remains of the eight victims of a mob attack in Mangun District of Mangu local government area of Plateau State, have been laid to rest at the Hayi Muslim Cemetery in Mangu LGA, at the weekend.
The deceased, including women and children, were part of a 31-member group of wedding guests from Basawa community in Zaria, Kaduna State, travelling in an 18-seater Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) bus en route Qua’an Pan LGA of Plateau State for a wedding ceremony.
They reportedly lost their way and stopped to ask for directions in Mangun village when they were attacked by a mob.
The burial took place amid tight security. Religious leaders said the victims’ families consented to the burial in Plateau State to avoid tension in their home communities.
Before the funeral prayers, Sheikh Suleiman Haruna, who led the funeral rites, urged residents to accept the incident as the will of Allah and refrain from seeking revenge.
He praised security agencies and local leaders for responding quickly to the crisis.
LEADERSHIP reports that Plateau State governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, had expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragic incident that claimed the lives of 12 persons in the evening of Friday, June 20, 2025, at about 6pm.
Governor Mutfwang, who visited the survivors of the attack in the hospital and as well went to the scene of the unfortunate incident, expressed profound grief and described the mob action as totally condemnable and unacceptable.
He noted with sadness that the Mangun District and adjoining districts of Chakfem in Mangu LGA and Mushere in Bokkos LGA of the State, have for over a month suffered coordinated terrorist assaults resulting in daily casualties and mass displacements, plunging communities into mourning and distress. However, he emphasized that the prolonged attacks do not justify such a senseless act against innocent commuters.
Speaking at the scene of the incident, Governor Mutfwang said: “I never imagined such a senseless act of violence could occur within our borders, especially considering the commendable efforts of our youths in this community and neighbouring districts who have consistently risen to support security agencies in defending against criminal incursions.
“It is deeply disheartening that the same youths who have shown courage and patriotism would turn around and take the law into their own hands. This is utterly unacceptable, and the government will not sweep it under the carpet. We are working to build a Plateau that is welcoming to all and hospitable to visitors. We have been educating our young people about the importance of allowing free passage on all roads across the state, and this incident has come to us as a rude shock.”
Governor Mutfwang further stated: “I want to reassure Nigerians that Plateau remains a safe place for all travellers. I have spoken with my colleague, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, to brief him on this unfortunate incident. I have also reached out to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, to express my heartfelt condolences over this tragic loss of lives. In the spirit of solidarity, we will be sending a high-level delegation to commiserate with the Government and people of Kaduna State as well as the Zazzau Emirate.”
The governor also extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the government and people of Kaduna State, stressing that such acts of violence have no place in a civilizsd society. While acknowledging the pain and frustration of communities under siege, he strongly warned against resorting to jungle justice or mob action regardless of provocation.
He directed the General Hospital in Mangu and all other medical facilities attending to the victims to provide optimal care, assuring that the Plateau State Government will bear the full cost of treatment. The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to standing with the victims and their families during this difficult time.
Governor Mutfwang also charged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, ensure that justice is served, and implement proactive measures to prevent any recurrence. He reiterated that Plateau people are renowned for their hospitality, peaceful disposition, and acceptance of others and pledged to uphold those cherished values under his leadership.
In a gesture of solidarity, the governor has constituted a high-powered delegation to visit the Kaduna State Government and the families of the deceased in Zaria LGA to convey the heartfelt condolences of the Government and people of Plateau State.
Governor Mutfwang also used the opportunity to condemn the ongoing wave of killings and destruction in rural communities across Bokkos, Mangu, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, and Bassa local government areas, which have led to widespread displacement and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
On behalf of the Government and the peace-loving people of Plateau State, the governor extended sincere sympathies to all those affected, praying for the speedy recovery of the injured, and sought divine comfort for the bereaved.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Police Command has arrested 22 suspects in connection with the mob action that led to the killings of 12 wedding guests from Zaria LGA in Kaduna State heading to Quan-Pan local government area of Plateau State.
The Command made the disclosure in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Alfred Alabo.
According to the statement, upon the receipt of intelligence report about the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Adesina, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer of Mangu Division to mobilise his men and swiftly race to the scene.
DSP Alabo further stressed that the Police helmsman has also deployed Tactical Teams and other Operational Assets to the Mangu LGA to help in the investigation and ensure arrest of more suspects.
The Command also assured the good and peace-loving people of Plateau State that the Command was doing everything within the ambit of its constitutional power to ensure that all those involved in the inhuman act be brought to justice.
He, therefore, called on all citizens, especially the youths, to avoid taking the law into their hands and report any suspicious activities to the nearest Police Station or any other security agency.
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