The eight victims of a mob attack in the Mangun District of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State, were laid to rest over the weekend at the Hayi Muslim Cemetery in Mangu LGA.
The deceased—among them women and children—were part of a 31-member group of wedding guests from the Basawa community in Zaria, Kaduna State. They were travelling in an 18-seater Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) bus en route to Qua’an Pan LGA in Plateau State to attend a wedding.
They reportedly lost their way and stopped in Mangun village to ask for directions, at which point they were attacked by a mob.
The burial, conducted under tight security, was permitted in Plateau State following the consent of the victims’ families, who chose to avoid potential unrest in their home communities.
Sheikh Suleiman Haruna, who led the funeral rites, urged restraint, saying, “the victims’ families consented to the burial in Plateau State to avoid tension in their home communities.” He called on residents to accept the tragedy as “the will of Allah” and warned against retaliation.
He also praised “security agencies and local leaders for responding quickly to the crisis.”
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State expressed deep sorrow over the killing of 12 people in the attack, which occurred on the evening of Friday, June 20, 2025, around 6 p.m.
Governor Mutfwang, after visiting survivors in the hospital and assessing the scene of the incident, described the mob action as “totally condemnable and unacceptable.”
He noted that Mangun and neighboring districts—Chakfem in Mangu LGA and Mushere in Bokkos LGA—have for over a month endured “coordinated terrorist assaults,” resulting in casualties and mass displacement. Nonetheless, he emphasized that “the prolonged attacks do not justify such a senseless act against innocent commuters.”
At the scene, the governor stated:
“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.”
He further assured: “I want to reassure Nigerians that Plateau remains a safe place for all travellers. 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.”
The governor extended “heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the government and people of Kaduna State,” and strongly condemned any act of reprisal or mob justice.
He instructed the General Hospital in Mangu and other facilities treating the injured to “provide optimal care,” with the Plateau State Government covering all medical expenses.
Governor Mutfwang called on security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation, stating that “justice must be served” and preventive measures must be implemented to avoid a recurrence.
He reaffirmed that “Plateau people are renowned for their hospitality, peaceful disposition, and acceptance of others,” and pledged to uphold these values under his administration.
A high-powered delegation has been constituted to visit the Kaduna State Government and affected families in Zaria LGA to deliver the state’s condolences.
Governor Mutfwang also decried the continued violence and destruction in rural communities across Bokkos, Mangu, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, and Bassa LGAs, which have led to displacement and humanitarian suffering.
“On behalf of the Government and the peace-loving people of Plateau State,” the governor extended sympathies to all affected, prayed for the recovery of the injured, and asked for divine comfort for the grieving.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Police Command has arrested 22 suspects in connection with the mob attack that led to the deaths of 12 wedding guests from Zaria LGA.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Alfred Alabo, the Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Adesina, upon receiving intelligence about the incident, ordered the Divisional Police Officer of Mangu to swiftly mobilize officers to the scene.
DSP Alabo confirmed that “Tactical Teams and other Operational Assets” have been deployed to Mangu LGA for further investigation and additional arrests.
The Command assured citizens that “all those involved in the inhuman act” would be brought to justice and called on the public, especially youths, to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.