Mangu, Plateau State – A tragic incident unfolded on Friday evening in Mangun District, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, where a mob brutally killed eight individuals traveling for a wedding. The victims, en route from Zaria in Kaduna State to Quan’pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, inadvertently lost their way and drove into the highly volatile Mangun community, which has been grappling with sustained terrorist attacks.
The travelers were caught in skirmishes, resulting in the immediate loss of eight innocent lives. Several others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Mangu.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has expressed profound shock and sorrow over the tragic mob action. During a visit to survivors in the hospital and the scene of the unfortunate incident, Governor Mutfwang described the act as “totally condemnable and avoidable.”
He noted with sadness that Mangu district, along with adjoining districts of Chakfem in Mangu LGA and Mushere in Bokkos LGA, has endured over a month of coordinated terrorist assaults, leading to daily casualties and mass displacements that have plunged communities into mourning and distress.
However, Governor Mutfwang emphasized that these prolonged attacks do not in any way 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 neighboring districts who have consistently risen to support security agencies in defending against criminal incursions,” the governor stated.
He expressed deep disappointment, adding, “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.”
Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful and hospitable Plateau State. “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,” he added.
Reassuring Nigerians, 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.” He also confirmed reaching out to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, to convey heartfelt condolences. “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 deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the governments and people of Kaduna State, stressing that such acts of violence have no place in a civilized society. Despite the pain and frustration experienced by communities under siege, the governor strongly warned against resorting to jungle justice or mob action, regardless of provocation.
He has directed the General Hospital in Mangu and all other medical facilities attending to the victims to provide optimal care, assuring that the Plateau State Government will bear the full cost of their treatment. Security agencies have been charged to conduct a thorough investigation, ensure justice is served, and implement proactive measures to prevent any recurrence. A high-powered delegation has also been constituted to visit the Kaduna State Government and the families of the deceased in Zaria.
Governor Mutfwang also took 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.
