Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has strongly condemned the brutal murder of eight travellers in the Mangun community, located in the Mangu Local Government Area. The victims were reportedly attacked by suspected hoodlums while en route to a wedding ceremony.
The attack occurred on Friday when 31 passengers, including women and children, were traveling from Zaria to Qua’an Pan LGA within Plateau State. According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants ambushed the travellers, killing eight individuals outright.
Upon visiting the scene on Saturday, Governor Mutfwang expressed profound sadness over the incident, describing it as an act of criminality that cannot be tolerated. “I have reached out to my brother, Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State and the Emir of Zazzau; I have briefed them on this unfortunate incident,” he said.
The governor emphasized the need for calm and restraint among the youth, urging them to avoid taking the law into their own hands. “I therefore want to use this medium again to call upon the youth of Plateau, that it is time to be very sensible. It is time to be wise. If you find strangers in your midst, call for interrogation to avoid a case of mistaken identity and not take laws into your hands,” Mutfwang stated.
okay.ng reports that the governor also visited the injured travellers receiving treatment at Mangu General Hospital and pledged to cover their medical expenses. He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and announced plans to send a government delegation to visit them, as well as to the Kaduna State government.
Governor Mutfwang praised the swift response of the youth leader of Mangun and security agencies, which facilitated the rescue of survivors. He reassured Nigerians that Plateau remains a peaceful state committed to inclusivity. “I want to assure Nigerians that Plateau will continue to be home to everybody, irrespective of ethnicity and religious beliefs,” he affirmed.
Confirming the death toll, Plateau State Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Adesina reported that seven people died at the scene, with an additional victim succumbing to injuries in hospital, bringing the total fatalities to eight. He disclosed that 22 suspects had been arrested and that security forces were continuing their search for others involved in the mob attack.
