Plateau: Police Arrest 22 Over Killing of 12 Wedding Guests Traveling in ABU Zaria Bus

Police in Plateau State have arrested 22 suspects linked to the brutal killing of 12 travelers from Kaduna State who were en route to a wedding in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area. The victims, who had lost their way, were attacked by a mob in Mangun, a restive community in Mangu LGA, around 9:47 p.m. on Friday, June 20.

According to a statement from Plateau Police Command spokesman, Alabo Alfred, the passengers—mostly from Zaria—were ambushed after inadvertently driving into a tense area gripped by ongoing violence. Their 18-seater bus, owned by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, was stopped by the mob, set ablaze, and several occupants were killed, including the driver, a university staff member. Survivors confirmed that the attackers used dangerous weapons and torched the vehicle with some of the corpses still inside.

Police officers, acting on intelligence, arrived swiftly at the scene and were able to rescue 14 people unharmed, while 21 others were taken to various hospitals for treatment. The Chief Imam of JIBWIS in Mangu, Sheikh Suleiman Haruna, confirmed that eight bodies had been deposited at the Mangu General Hospital and efforts were underway to recover the remaining victims.

In his statement, Alfred said the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, had visited the scene alongside other security officials to assess the situation and implement measures to prevent further unrest. He added that tactical teams, operatives from the State Intelligence Department and the State CID had been deployed to intensify investigations and arrest additional suspects.

The police warned against any acts of reprisal, urging the public to report suspicious activity and use emergency contact lines provided by the command. The statement emphasized that justice would be pursued and assured residents of the police’s commitment to peace and accountability.

Reacting to the tragedy, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed deep sorrow and outrage. Speaking after visiting both the survivors in hospital and the crime scene, the governor condemned the attack as senseless and unjustifiable, even amid the prolonged security challenges in Mangun, Chakfem, and Mushere. He stressed that the state is working hard to foster tolerance and secure passage for all commuters.

Mutfwang lamented that the perpetrators were the very youths who had previously shown commendable courage in supporting security efforts. He called the incident “a tragic day for Plateau State” and pledged that the government would not sweep the matter under the rug.

The governor disclosed that he had spoken with his Kaduna State counterpart and the Emir of Zazzau, offering condolences and solidarity. He said a high-level delegation would be sent to commiserate with the victims’ families and the Kaduna State government, reaffirming Plateau’s commitment to being a safe and hospitable state for all.