Eight wedding-bound travelers were tragically killed by a mob in the Mangun District of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The incident occurred on Friday evening when the victims, traveling from Zaria in Kaduna State to Quan’pan Local Government Area for a wedding, lost their way and entered Mangun. The community has been grappling with ongoing terrorist attacks, creating a volatile situation.
Caught in the unrest, the travelers became victims of the chaos, resulting in eight fatalities. Several others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at Mangu General Hospital.
Plateau Govt Condemns Incident, Condoles Victims’ Families
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has expressed profound shock and sorrow over the tragic mob attack.
During visits to the survivors in the hospital and the scene of the incident, Governor Mutfwang condemned the mob action as deeply regrettable and entirely avoidable.
He lamented that the Mangu district and neighboring areas, including Chakfem in Mangu Local Government Area and Mushere in Bokkos Local Government Area, have endured over a month of coordinated terrorist attacks, resulting in daily casualties, widespread displacements, and immense community suffering.
Despite these ongoing challenges, the governor stressed that such prolonged violence cannot justify the senseless targeting of innocent travelers.
“Today is a tragic day for us in Plateau State. 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,” the governor said.
“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,” the governor added.
Mutfwang stated, “I want to reassure Nigerians that Plateau remains a safe place for all travelers. 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 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 civilized society.
In spite of the pain and frustration of communities under siege, the governor strongly warned against resorting to jungle justice or mob action regardless of any provocation.
The General Hospital in Mangu and all other medical facilities attending to the victims have been directed to provide optimal care with assurances that the Plateau State Government will bear the full cost of their treatment.
The governor has also charged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that justice is served, and implement proactive measures to prevent any recurrence.
In the meantime, the governor has constituted a high-powered delegation to visit the Kaduna state government and the families of the deceased in Zaria 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.