A mob has killed eight travellers en route to a wedding in the Mangun District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Gatekeepers News reports that the incident occurred Friday evening when the victims, traveling from Zaria in Kaduna State to Quan’pan LGA for a wedding ceremony, lost their way and entered Mangun, a community currently experiencing heightened tension due to ongoing terrorist attacks.
The travellers inadvertently drove into a volatile situation and were attacked by a mob. Eight of them were killed, while several others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Mangu.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang who has visited the hospital to comfort survivors and also inspected the scene of the attack, condemned the killings.
Describing the incident as avoidable and reprehensible, Muftwang said the ongoing attacks in Mangu and surrounding areas such as Chakfem in Mangu LGA and Mushere in Bokkos LGA should not lead to indiscriminate violence against innocent people.
He said, “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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Mufteang 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.
Muftwanf 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.
The Governor noted that he 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 condemned 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.
