The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has condemned in strong terms, the Friday brutal killing of innocent travellers in Mangu local government area of Plateau State.
In a statement on Monday in Abuja by its chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, the Forum described the attack as a “barbaric and cowardly act” that has no place in a civilised society.
The victims, who were travelling in an 18-seater bus from Basawa community in Zaria, Kaduna State to Qua’an Pan local government area of Plateau State, were ambushed and killed in what the Forum called a senseless act of violence.
“On behalf of the Forum, I extend our deepest condolences to the government and people of Kaduna State, particularly to the bereaved families affected by this heinous attack,” he said.
The senators noted the killings as direct assault on the right of Nigerians to move freely and reside anywhere in the country, as guaranteed by Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution.
“Such mindless violence is unacceptable. It undermines the very fabric of our national unity and must be confronted with the full weight of the law,” the statement read.
They called on the Nigeria Police Force to improve its intelligence gathering and early warning systems to prevent similar attacks, and urged the Federal Government to provide security agencies with modern communication tools to track and apprehend criminals.
Appealing for calm in the affected communities, the Forum warned against reprisals, noting that such actions could worsen the already fragile security situation.
They also urged the Plateau State Government to intensify efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence among ethnic and religious groups to avert future violence.
“The NSF stands in solidarity with the victims’ families and the entire nation in condemning this atrocity. We pledge to work with relevant authorities to ensure justice is served and such incidents are prevented in the future. May Almighty Allah forgive them and grant them Jannah,” the statement added.
