President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned the killing of 12 travelers in Plateau State, describing the act as barbaric and unacceptable.
In a statement released on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasized that the freedom of movement for all citizens is “non-negotiable.” He directed the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), in collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies, to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.
The President expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the people and government of Plateau State. He also called for calm and assured that the tragic incident would not go unpunished.
“The Government of Plateau State must take decisive action in handling these vicious cycles of violence. The state government must work with security agents to get to the root of this recent incident and use it as a deterrent against future occurrences.
“Freedom of movement by all citizens is non-negotiable. We will not tolerate any attempt by anyone or group of people to curtail that fundamental freedom through acts of extreme violence and fear,” he added.
The tragic incident occurred on Friday evening in the Mangun District of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State, as victims traveling from Zaria in Kaduna State to Quan’pan Local Government Area, Plateau, for a wedding lost their way and entered a tense, conflict-ridden zone.
Mangun, a community facing persistent terrorist attacks, became the site of the tragedy when the travelers inadvertently found themselves in a volatile situation. The violence claimed eight lives, while several others sustained injuries of varying severity and were rushed to the General Hospital in Mangu for treatment.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani condemned the killings, expressing deep shock. He called on security agencies to swiftly apprehend and prosecute those responsible. Governor Sani further pledged that the Kaduna State Government would spare no effort in ensuring the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“We must put a stop to the nefarious activities of non-state actors. There is no justification for anybody to attack any citizen of Nigeria in any part of the country. This madness must stop. Enough is enough,” the governor said.
Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, expressed sorrow over the tragic mob action.
Mutfwang, who visited survivors in the hospital and the scene of the unfortunate incident, described the mob action as totally condemnable and avoidable.
He noted with sadness that the Mangu district and adjoining districts of Chakfem in Mangu Local Government Area and Mushere in Bokkos Local Government Area had, for over a month, suffered coordinated terrorist assaults resulting in daily casualties and mass displacements, plunging communities into mourning and distress.
He, however, emphasised that the prolonged attacks do not justify such a senseless act against innocent commuters.
“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.
“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,” the governor said.