Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has strongly condemned the killing of 12 residents of his state in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing the attack as barbaric and unacceptable. He has called on security agencies to urgently identify and prosecute the perpetrators.
According to reports, the victims, including men, women, and children, were part of a group of 31 travelers from Basawa community in Zaria Local Government Area. They were en route to Qua’an Pan Local Government Area in Plateau to attend a wedding ceremony when they were ambushed around 8:00 p.m. on Friday. The group was traveling in an 18-seater bus belonging to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. Twelve were killed in the attack, while 11 others sustained various degrees of injuries.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Governor Sani expressed deep sorrow over the incident and described it as “an act of savagery that must be checked.” He urged security agencies to act swiftly and decisively.
“We received with shock and deep sorrow news of the killing of 12 Kaduna State citizens in the troubled Mangun District of Mangu Local Government, Plateau State. Eleven others sustained various degrees of injuries. The innocent travellers met their deaths while traveling for a wedding ceremony," the statement read.
“We condemn in the strongest terms these acts of savagery. The criminals must be fished out and dealt with accordingly. Security agencies must leave no stone unturned until those behind this heinous act are apprehended and brought to justice. There is no justification for such a brutal assault on innocent Nigerians. This madness must stop. Enough is enough.”
Governor Sani also called on his Plateau State counterpart, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, to take full charge of the situation and ensure justice is served.
“I urge His Excellency, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, to make a bold and decisive statement through action. He must direct and oversee security operations until the murderers are apprehended. I will personally monitor the progress of investigations and security operations. We must send a clear signal that impunity will no longer be tolerated,” he said.
The governor appealed to Kaduna residents to remain calm, assuring them that the state government is taking all necessary steps to ensure justice is done.
“I call on the good people of Kaduna State to remain calm. All hands are on deck to ensure that our murdered citizens get justice. We have made significant progress in peacebuilding and conflict transformation in Kaduna State. The Kaduna Peace Model has shown that with political will and sincerity, even the most volatile environments can become oases of peace. The situation in Plateau is not beyond redemption. The bloodshed must end.”
Governor Sani also extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and assured that the state government will support them and provide medical care for the injured.
“Our deepest condolences to the families of our citizens who lost their lives in Mangu. I am in touch with the families, and we will do all we can to ease their pain. The injured will receive adequate medical attention. May the souls of our departed citizens rest in peace.”
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