Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has urged security agencies to arrest members of the mob who killed travellers in Plateau State.
Although the exact number of people killed has not been ascertained, at least eight people were reportedly killed and 11 others injured in the incident late Friday in Mangu LGA. The victims were travelling from Kaduna State.
|
|
Mr Sani described the incident as “an act of savagery,” according to a statement posted on his official Facebook page.
The victims were travelling to Quan Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State for a wedding when they were ambushed in the troubled Mangun District of Mangu Local Government Area.
|
|
|
|---|
“We received with shock and deep sorrow news of the killing,” Mr Sani said in the statement released on Saturday.
“These innocent Nigerians met their untimely deaths simply for travelling in their own country. There is no justification for such a heinous act,” he said.
The governor called on security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible, declaring that “criminals must be fished out and dealt with accordingly.”
“This madness must stop. Enough is enough,” he said. “We must put a stop to the nefarious activities of non-state actors. There is no justification for anybody to attack any citizen of Nigeria in any part of the country.”
Mr Sani also urged Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State to take charge of the situation and ensure a robust response to the attack.
“He must take full charge of the situation and direct the operations of the security agencies until the murderers are brought to justice,” the Kaduna governor said, adding that he would personally monitor the progress of investigations and field operations.
He reassured the people of Kaduna State that justice would be pursued vigorously and urged them to remain calm in the face of the tragedy.
“We have made remarkable progress in peace building and conflict transformation in Kaduna State,” he said, referring to what he called the “Kaduna Peace Model” as proof that even deeply divided communities can find a path to lasting peace with the right leadership and commitment.
“The situation in Plateau State is not irredeemable. The bloodshed must stop,” he added.
He sent his condolences to the families of the victims and promised that the state government would support them during this difficult time.
Mr Sani also pledged that the injured would receive proper medical care.
“May the gentle souls of our departed citizens rest in perfect peace,” he said.
The attack in Mangu comes amid renewed concern about inter-communal violence and the rising threat posed by armed groups across central Nigeria, particularly in Plateau, Benue, and Kaduna states, which have experienced cycles of conflict in recent years.
Plateau governor condemns attack
PREMIUM TIMES reported that the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, condemned the attack and vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
Mr Mutfwang also sent his condolences to the Emir of Zazzau and the Governor of Kaduna State during a telephone call, expressing deep sorrow over the incident.
READ ALSO: Police arrest 22 over mob killing of travellers in Plateau
He charged security agencies to investigate it and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Mr Mutfwang pledged to implement measures to prevent a recurrence, stressing the need for Plateau to remain a hospitable and peaceful state.
On Saturday, the police announced that 22 suspects had been arrested.
