The victims, who were travelling from Zaria in Kaduna State to Qua'an Pan LGA for a wedding ceremony, were ambushed and attacked by a mob after reportedly losing their way.
The Plateau State Police Command has arrested no fewer than 22 suspects in connection with the brutal killing of 12 wedding guests in Mangu Local Government Area.
The victims, who were travelling from Zaria in Kaduna State to Qua'an Pan LGA for a wedding ceremony, were ambushed and attacked by a mob after reportedly losing their way.
Reporters earlier reported that tragedy struck in Plateau State on Friday evening when a group of armed youths ambushed a commercial bus belonging to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, killing at least 12 passengers and injuring 19 others.
The incident, which occurred around Kyarang junction in Manjul community of Mangu Local Government Area, involved 31 passengers, who were heading to Qua'an Pan LGA for a wedding ceremony.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Alabo Alfred, confirmed that the incident occurred at about 9:47pm on Friday, June 20, 2025. He said the passengers' vehicle was intercepted and set ablaze in Mangun village by irate youths, leading to the deaths of several passengers and injuries to seven others.
"Upon receipt of credible intelligence, the Commissioner of Police immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer in Mangu to mobilise and swiftly respond to the scene," the statement read.
Police operatives, in collaboration with other security agencies, successfully dispersed the mob and rescued 21 passengers, 14 of whom were unhurt. The remaining victims were taken to a hospital for treatment, while a preliminary investigation confirmed that the travellers were simply wedding guests who had taken a wrong turn on their journey.
The Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, has since visited the crime scene alongside other heads of security agencies and ordered a full-scale investigation. As of Saturday morning, 22 suspects had been arrested in connection with the deadly attack.
To strengthen the investigation and ensure more arrests, the CP has deployed personnel from the State Intelligence Department (SID), the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and tactical units to Mangu.
"The Commissioner of Police has directed an intensive and discreet investigation into the incident and assured the public that all perpetrators will be brought to justice," Alfred said.
The Plateau State Command said it condemned the act of mob justice and warned citizens against taking the law into their hands.
The CP emphasised that peace and justice would be upheld, urging the public to remain calm and report suspicious activity through designated emergency numbers.
"The Commissioner of Police wishes to assure the peace-loving people of Plateau State that the Command is doing everything within the ambit of the law to ensure that all those involved in this inhuman act are brought to justice," the statement added.
Comments