President Bola Tinubu and members of the Northern Governors’ Forum on Sunday joined grieving families and communities in mourning the 13 travellers from Zaria, Kaduna State, killed in a mob attack in Plateau State.
The victims were buried in Mangu and Qua’an Pan local government areas of Plateau State.
Nine of the deceased were buried on Saturday at the Hayi Muslim Cemetery in Mangu, while the remaining four, whose bodies were later recovered, were laid to rest in Qua’an Pan LG on Sunday.
The Chief Imam of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah in Mangu, Sheikh Suleiman Haruna, who led the funeral prayers, confirmed the burials.
“Eight persons and another who later died were buried in Mangu on Saturday. Four others, who were recovered later, were taken to Qua’an Pan and buried today (Sunday),” he said.
The victims, including women and children, were among 31 members of the Basawa community in Zaria, Kaduna State, travelling in an 18-seater Ahmadu Bello University bus to attend a wedding in Qua’an Pan.
They reportedly lost their way and were asking for directions when they were attacked by hoodlums.
Security was tightened around the burial sites as religious leaders appealed for calm.
Sheikh Haruna urged residents to view the tragedy as the will of Allah and shun any thoughts of reprisal.
President Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, condemned the killings as “heinous, unacceptable and barbaric,” and directed security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice.
“The state government must work with security agents to get to the root of this incident and use it as a deterrent against future occurrences.
“Freedom of movement by all citizens is non-negotiable. We will not tolerate any attempt by anyone or group to curtail that right through acts of extreme violence and fear,” Tinubu said.
He extended condolences to the families of the victims and the government and people of Kaduna State.
The Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, also decried the killings, describing them as a “barbaric and cowardly act that has no place in a civilised society.”
In a statement by his Director-General of Press Affairs, Ismaila Misilli, Yahaya said, “I am deeply saddened by this horrific and inhumane attack. Such mindless violence against innocent citizens is unacceptable and must be met with swift and decisive justice.”
He commiserated with the bereaved families and prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased. Yahaya also lauded the Plateau State Government and security agencies for the swift arrest of suspects, while calling for thorough investigation and prosecution.
“The perpetrators of this heinous crime must be brought to justice without delay. This is not just about accountability; it is about restoring faith in the rule of law,” he said.
He urged residents of Plateau, Kaduna and neighbouring states to remain calm and avoid reprisals.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, in a separate statement, described the killings as “barbaric and senseless,” calling on security agencies to swiftly arrest and prosecute those responsible.
He also urged Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang to take proactive measures to ensure justice, adding that the Kaduna State Government was supporting the victims’ families and providing medical care for the 11 survivors at the General Hospital, Mangu.
Mutfwang also condemned the killings, describing the mob action as “unacceptable and avoidable.”
During a visit to the survivors and the scene of the incident, the governor expressed deep sorrow and concern.
“I never imagined such a senseless act of violence could occur within our borders, especially given the commendable role our youths have played in defending against criminal incursions.
“It is disheartening that the same youths who have shown courage and patriotism would turn around to take the law into their own hands.
“This is utterly unacceptable, and the government will not sweep it under the carpet. We have been educating our people about the importance of allowing free passage on all roads across the state, and this incident has come as a rude shock,” he said.
Mutfwang reiterated that Plateau State remained safe and welcoming to visitors and disclosed that he had spoken with Governor Sani and the Emir of Zazzau to express condolences.
He announced the constitution of a delegation to visit the bereaved families and the Kaduna State Government.
While empathising with communities grappling with ongoing insecurity in Mangu and Bokkos LGs, he warned against jungle justice, saying no level of provocation justified mob action.
He directed hospitals to offer optimal care to the injured while assuring that the government would cover all medical expenses.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 22 suspects linked to the incident.
The Coalition of Northern Groups has called on residents of remote communities to embrace self-defence as violence escalates across the region, with over 79 deaths reported in four states at the weekend.
Speaking with The PUNCH, the group’s National Coordinator, Janilu Charanchi, urged communities to establish local vigilantes and take proactive steps to protect themselves.
“Our people must understand that the era of religious and ethnic crises is over. They need to unite and jointly protect their communities.
“Let them have an organised structure involving trustworthy people who can help track down those behind these attacks,” he said.
Charanchi blamed the worsening security on leadership failure, insisting that the military could restore peace if the political will existed.
“With what is happening in this country, I sometimes doubt whether we truly have leaders with a conscience,” he said. “No responsible leader should sleep soundly while citizens are being killed daily.”
He called for accountability among security heads and urged Nigerians to demand decisive action from the authorities.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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