In a tragic display of lawlessness, the Plateau State Police Command has apprehended 22 suspects linked to the gruesome murder of 12 innocent wedding guests in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The victims—peaceful travellers en route to a joyous wedding celebration in Qua’an Pan LGA—were ambushed and brutally attacked by a mob after reportedly losing their way while travelling from Zaria, Kaduna State. The horrific incident occurred on Friday night, June 20, 2025, near Kyarang Junction in the Manjul community, where the group’s commercial bus—reportedly belonging to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria—was intercepted and set ablaze by irate youths.
The spine-chilling assault left 12 dead, while seven others sustained serious injuries. According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Alabo Alfred, the passengers were targeted without provocation, with investigations confirming they were simply on their way to attend a wedding ceremony when they mistakenly veered off their route.
> “Upon receipt of credible intelligence, the Commissioner of Police immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer in Mangu to mobilise and respond swiftly,” the statement read.
Prompt police intervention, aided by other security forces, managed to disperse the attackers and rescue 21 passengers, 14 of whom were unhurt. The injured were rushed to nearby medical facilities, while a full-scale investigation was launched immediately.
Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, visited the crime scene alongside heads of sister security agencies and personally ordered the deployment of personnel from the State Intelligence Department (SID), the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and other tactical units to hunt down those behind the bloodshed.
> “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 stated.
The Command strongly condemned the heinous act of mob violence, reiterating that jungle justice has no place in a civilised society. Citizens have been urged to exercise restraint and report suspicious activity rather than take the law into their own hands.
CP Adesina assured the people of Plateau State that the Command is working relentlessly, within the confines of the law, to bring every perpetrator to book.
> “The Plateau State Police Command wishes to assure the peace-loving people of the state that it will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all those involved in this inhuman and senseless act are identified, arrested, and prosecuted,” the statement added.
As the investigation deepens and arrests continue, the nation watches closely, demanding justice for the slain and a return to peace in Plateau.
PIONEER NEWS 