By Yemi Kosoko

A mob has killed 12 wedding-bound travellers in the Mangun District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident happened on Friday evening when the victims were traveling from Zaria in Kaduna State en route to Quan’pan Local Government Area of Plateau State for a wedding.

They, however, lost their way and inadvertently ran into a tense and volatile situation in Mangun, a community grappling with sustained terrorist attacks.

Tragically, the travellers were caught up in the skirmishes, which resulted in the loss of 12 lives.

Several others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Mangu.

Plateau Govt Condemns Incident, Condoles Victims’ Families

Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragic mob action.

Governor Mutfwang, who visited survivors in the hospital and the scene of the unfortunate incident, expressed profound grief, describing 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 have, for over a month, suffered coordinated terrorist assaults resulting in daily casualties and mass displacements, plunging communities into mourning and distress.

Governor Mutfwang, however, emphasized 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,” 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.

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