President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned the killing of 12 travellers in Plateau State, describing the act as “barbaric and unacceptable.”
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President reaffirmed that the freedom of movement is a non-negotiable right of all Nigerian citizens. He directed the Nigerian Police Force to collaborate with other security and intelligence agencies to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.
“The Plateau State Government must take decisive action to break this vicious cycle of violence,” Tinubu said. “Freedom of movement by all citizens is non-negotiable. We will not tolerate any attempt by individuals or groups to undermine this fundamental right through acts of violence and intimidation.”
He extended his condolences to the victims’ families as well as to the people and government of Kaduna State, urging calm and assuring that the federal government will ensure justice is served.
Tragedy in Plateau: 12 killed in mob attack amid ongoing violence
The incident occurred Friday evening in the Mangun District of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State. The victims were travelling from Zaria in Kaduna State to Quan’pan LGA for a wedding when they lost their way and entered a volatile area wracked by recent terrorist activity.
Caught in the midst of ongoing unrest, the travellers fell victim to a mob attack, resulting in the deaths of eight people at the scene. Several others sustained injuries and were rushed to the General Hospital in Mangu for treatment. The death toll later rose to 12.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State condemned the killings, expressing shock and calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
“We must put a stop to the nefarious activities of non-state actors,” Sani declared. “There is no justification for attacking any Nigerian citizen anywhere in the country. This madness must stop. Enough is enough.”
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang also condemned the attack, calling it “totally unjustifiable and deeply regrettable.” He visited the survivors in hospital and inspected the scene of the incident.
Mutfwang lamented that the Mangu District, along with the neighbouring Chakfem and Mushere districts, had endured sustained terrorist assaults for over a month—leading to mass casualties, widespread displacement, and communal grief. However, he emphasized that such tragedies must never justify retaliatory violence.
“Today is a tragic day for us in Plateau State,” the governor said. “It is deeply disheartening that youths who have shown courage in defending their communities could turn around to take the law into their own hands. This act is utterly unacceptable, and we will not sweep it under the carpet.”
