A horrific scene unfolded in Plateau State on Friday night, June 20, 2025, as a group of innocent wedding guests fell victim to a brutal mob attack. The incident, which occurred in Mangun village, Mangu Local Government Area, has left Nigeria in mourning, prompting swift police action and national outrage.
A Joyful Journey Turns Tragic
What was meant to be a joyful trip to celebrate love ended in unthinkable horror. A passenger bus, reportedly traveling from Zaria in Kaduna State to Qua’an Pan in Plateau State for a wedding, lost its way and mistakenly drove into a restive area. The bus—an 18-seater believed to belong to Ahmadu Bello University—was intercepted by angry youths who wrongly suspected the passengers of being a threat.
The mob, acting on suspicion and without verification, forcibly stopped the vehicle, set it ablaze, and began attacking the passengers. According to eyewitnesses and security reports, 12 people were gruesomely murdered, and 11 others sustained serious injuries.
Ibrahim Umar, a survivor of the attack, shared his horrifying experience:
“We were heading to Qua’an Pan to attend a wedding. We stopped to ask for directions, and before we knew it, we were surrounded. They killed 12 people, burned the bus, and left the rest of us to die.”
Swift Police Response: 22 Arrests Made
Upon receiving information about the attack, the Plateau State Police Commissioner, Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, launched an immediate operation. Tactical teams, state CID officers, and intelligence units were deployed to the scene overnight.
By Saturday morning, 22 suspects had been arrested in connection to the incident. The commissioner confirmed that investigations are ongoing and vowed to bring all perpetrators to justice.
“This incident is deeply tragic and totally unacceptable. We assure the public that those responsible will face the full wrath of the law,” Adesina stated.
Casualties and Survivors
Despite the brutality of the attack, authorities managed to rescue 21 individuals:
14 passengers were found unharmed.
7 others sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.
Authorities have also confirmed that efforts are ongoing to support the victims’ families and ensure full accountability.
Government Reaction
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the mob action in strong terms. He described the killing of innocent wedding guests as “unacceptable, avoidable, and deeply saddening.”
In his statement, the governor called for
Calm in the region
A thorough investigation
Prosecution of all responsible parties
Community vigilance without resorting to violence
A Region Under Tension
This tragic event is yet another reminder of the growing insecurity in Nigeria’s North Central region. Plateau State has long struggled with ethnic tensions, communal clashes, and cycles of retaliatory violence. Just days before, over 100 people were reportedly killed in a separate clash in Benue State, highlighting the urgent need for conflict resolution and peace-building mechanisms.
Justice on the Horizon
As Nigerians reel from this heartbreaking incident, many are demanding swift justice, deeper security reforms, and better protection for citizens traveling across volatile zones. The arrest of 22 suspects is a step forward, but the road to healing—both for the victims’ families and the affected community—will require more than legal action. It will demand unity, truth, and accountability.
Our Thoughts Are With the Victims
We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this terrible act. May those who were killed find peace, and may justice prevail swiftly.
